Lottery games on an electronic gaming machine

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of, claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/949,982, filed on Nov.24, 2015, which is a continuation of, claims the benefit of and priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/710,549, filed on May 12, 2015,which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/002,599, filed on May 23, 2014, and which is also acontinuation-in-part of, claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/608,149, filed on Jan. 28, 2015, which isa continuation of, claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/027,112, filed on Sep. 13, 2013, which claimsthe benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/708,519, filed on Oct. 1, 2012, and which also claims the benefit ofand priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/801,122,filed on Mar. 15, 2013, and which is also a continuation-in part of,claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/327,584, filed on Dec. 15, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of,claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/943,789, filed on Nov. 10, 2010, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/303,106, filed onFeb. 10, 2010, each of which are incorporated by reference in theirentirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to gaming devices that provide communicationcapabilities and enhanced gaming functions on an electronic gamingmachine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Casinos derive a large portion of their revenues from electronic gamingmachines, including mechanical and video slot machines. The operatingcosts associated with maintaining electronic gaming machines is animportant factor to casino operators. To maximize their profitability,casino operators wish to minimize the electronic gaming machineoperating costs.

A significant component of the operating costs is related to theperformance of maintenance operations requiring access to the interiorof a gaming machine. For instance, access to the interior of the gamingmachine is needed to periodically remove cash from the gaming machine,such as coins in a drop box or bills stored in a bill stacker. Asanother example, access to the interior of the gaming machine is neededto periodically replenish paper used to print ticket vouchers forcashless gaming applications.

For security and regulatory purposes, electronic gaming machines includea number of locked enclosures that are monitored by an internal securitysystem. The locked enclosures and security system help to preventunauthorized access to resources within the electronic gaming machinethat may be targets of theft or tampering, such as deposited money orgaming software. To address a maintenance issue that requires access tointerior portions of the gaming machine, often two or more keys carriedby separate individuals can be required. During the performance of themaintenance operation in the interior, one individual not performing themaintenance may be required to watch the other individual performing themaintenance operation. Thus, a significant contributor to the gamingmachine operating costs is labor costs associated with maintenance.

In addition to labor costs, while the gaming machine is being maintainedit is not available for game play. Thus, revenue is lost which alsocontributes to the operating costs. Further, some maintenanceoperations, such as replenishing blank tickets that can be used to printredeemable ticket vouchers involve material costs. Thus, somemaintenance operations contribute both material costs and labor costs tothe gaming machine operating costs.

Balanced against minimizing operating costs are providing functions thatmake the machines more convenient for a player to use and encouragerepeated use of the machines. For instance, a bill validator on a gamingmachine is not required and its use increases gaming machine operatingcosts. However, the availability of a bill validator makes a gamingmachine more convenient for a player to use which outweighs theadditional operating costs associated with the bill validator. Asanother example, loyalty programs and associated hardware that allow forplayer rewards and a personalization of a gaming session increasesoperating costs. Nevertheless, it has been found that these featuresmake a game play session more satisfying to players such that theaverage amount of game play or the amount of repeat business from atypical player is increased. The increase in game play or repeatbusiness outweighs the operating costs associated with providing thesefeatures.

Thus, in view of the above, apparatus and method are desired that eitherreduce gaming machine operating costs or provide new features withbenefits to players that outweigh the additional operation costsassociated with providing the new features.

SUMMARY

Broadly speaking, the embodiments disclosed herein describe relate toproviding enhanced gaming functionality to wagered-based gaming devices,such as but not limited to mechanical slot reel, video slot machines andelectronic game tables. The method and apparatus can be used on gamingdevices that execute regulated gaming software related to one or moreaspects of providing a wager-based game on the gaming device. In oneembodiment, a picture in a picture (PIP) interface can be provided on agaming device with a video display. The PIP interface can be controlledby a secondary processor, separate from the game controller on thegaming device. The secondary processor can be configured to communicatewith peripheral devices on the gaming device, such as the gamecontroller, printers, bill validators and card readers and remotedevices, such as a back-end server.

The PIP interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lotteryticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, thelottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device. In oneembodiment, the lottery ticket can be purchased from available creditson the gaming device, such as credits earned from playing a wager-basedgame. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted intothe gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with thelottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.

The purchase of lottery tickets can be a part of lottery gaming servicesimplemented in a casino environment. Other lottery gaming services caninclude the play of lottery games in a casino environment. For example,the system can be configured to offer lottery scratch off games to playon a slot machine or other gaming device. Like the purchase of thelottery tickets, the play of lottery scratch off games can beimplemented using a PIP interface.

The lottery gaming services can be imported to EGMs and other gamingdevices actively being utilized in a casino environment which don't havelottery gaming service capabilities. Thus, the method and apparatus canbe applied as part of a retrofit of existing EGMs. In one embodiment,the method and apparatus can be implemented so that the software,existing on the game controller of the EGMs to which the retrofit isapplied, doesn't need to be modified. The retrofit process can involveone or more of: 1) installing a secondary gaming device with a secondaryprocessor on the EGM, 2) establishing new communication connectionsbetween the secondary processor and devices on the EGM, such as the gamecontroller, player tracking unit, the printer, the bill validator andthe card reader, 3) replacing or updating hardware and software ongaming devices on the EGM other than the game controller, 4) installingnew devices on the EGM, 5) establishing new communication connectionsbetween the secondary processor and remote devices and 6) installing newback-end servers. Other aspects and advantages will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The described embodiments will be readily understood by the followingdetailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, andin which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective drawing of a candle device disposed on top of aradio candle mount in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of a radio candle mount inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a top view of a platform portion of a candle mount inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1D is a top view of a platform portion of a candle mount inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of retrofitting an electronic gamingmachine with a wireless communication device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of a candle device including an internalcross section in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of a candle device including a wiringharness in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of a secondary gaming device includingnumerous power and communication interfaces in accordance with thedescribed embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a gaming device in accordance with thedescribed embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing showing exterior portions of anelectronic gaming machine in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a perspective drawing showing exterior and interior portionsof an electronic gaming machine in accordance with the describedembodiments.

FIG. 9 is a connection diagram of a gaming device coupled to anelectronic gaming machine in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a gaming system including gaming machinesoutfitted with candle devices and configured to communicate with mobiledevices in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of gaming system configured to provide picture in apicture gaming services on electronic gaming machines in accordance withthe described embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a gaming machine including dual portdevices communicatively coupled to a secondary gaming device inaccordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 13A is block diagram of a gaming machine including a dual porttouch screen display communicatively coupled to a secondary gamingdevice in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIG. 13B is block diagram of picture in a picture modes for a dual porttouch screen display in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIGS. 14-26 are screen shots including video content associated withlottery gaming services in accordance with the described embodiments.

FIGS. 27A-27C are examples of secondary tickets in accordance with thedescribed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth to provide a thorough understanding of the concepts underlying thedescribed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled inthe art that the described embodiments can be practiced without some orall of these specific details. In other instances, well known processsteps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the underlying concepts.

With respect to the following figures various method and apparatus usedto provide lottery services on gaming devices, such as an electronicgaming machine (EGM) or electronic gaming table are described. Thelottery services can be implemented on EGMs deployed in a casinoenvironment. Thus, method and apparatus to retrofit an EGM to providelottery services are described. In particular embodiments, the retrofitis implemented without modifying the regulated game software executed bythe game controller on the EGM. Details of the method and apparatus forimplementing the lottery services are described with respect to thefollowing Figures.

With respect to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 2, method and apparatus forcoupling a candle mount including a wireless communication interface toan electronic gaming machine (EGM) are described. In one embodiment, thewireless communication interface is coupled to a structure installedbetween a candle device and a cabinet of the EGM. The structure canprovide a platform upon which the candle device is mounted to the EGMcabinet. The structure, also referred to as a radio candle mount can beinstalled during manufacture of the EGM or a part of a retrofit processof an existing EGM. The wireless communication interface can be used tosend and receive information used play a lottery game or purchase alottery ticket.

In more detail, with respect to FIG. 1A, a candle device coupled to aradio candle mount is described. With respect to FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D,details of the mechanical interfaces between a candle device, the radiocandle mount and the EGM cabinet are discussed. A method of installingor retrofitting an EGM with a radio candle mount is described in FIG. 2.In regards to FIGS. 3-6, two types of secondary gaming devices which canbe coupled to an EGM to utilize the wireless capabilities provided bythe radio candle mount and other enhanced gaming services are discussed.For example, the secondary gaming devices can be used to output videocontent to a display used a part of process of purchasing or validatinga lottery ticket on an EGM. One or more of the secondary gaming devicescan be installed on the EGM as part of a retrofit process.

With respect to FIGS. 7 and 8, an exterior and interior views of an EGMwith a radio candle mount and one or more of an externally or internallydisposed secondary gaming devices coupled to the radio candle mount isdescribed. The secondary gaming devices can be configured to providelottery gaming services via the radio candle mount. One connectionscheme between an EGM, secondary gaming device and radio candle mount isdescribed with respect to FIG. 9. The operation of an EGM with thesecondary devices and radio candle mount are also discussed with respectto FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. With respect to FIGS. 10 and 11, a gaming systemincluding EGM's with the secondary gaming devices and one or more radiocandle mounts are discussed. In one embodiment, the gaming system caninclude secondary devices which allow a touch screen video display to beused as an interface for providing enhanced gaming services, such aslottery ticket purchasing and validating services.

With respect to FIGS. 13A and 13B hardware and software used to providesecondary gaming content on an EGM are described. In particular, methodsand apparatus used to provide picture in a picture capabilities aredescribed. Finally, with respect to FIGS. 14-27A-2C, lottery gamingservices are described.

Wireless Communication Interfaces

Player assistance and security events in a gaming establishment such asa casino or lottery location are very important to casino operators.Player jackpot confirmation, player requiring change, machine dooropenings, and machine failures are a few examples of important eventsthat can require a response by a casino operator. In the gamingindustry, a candle has been used to provide a visual indicator that mayidentify certain occurrences or servicing needs of that particulargaming machine, such as the player assistance and security events. On agaming machine, it is often mounted on a top surface of the gamingcabinet so that it is easily visible. At a table game, it can be mountedon a pole to increase its visibility.

In this section, a method and apparatus for providing a wirelesscommunication interface on an EGM are described. In one embodiment, thewireless communication interface can be incorporated into a radio candlemount. The radio candle mount 18 can be used to provide a mountingsurface for the candle device 2. The candle device 2 and radio candlemount 18 can be secured to the EGM cabinet. The radio candle mount 18can include a wireless communication interface, such as a radio. The EGMcabinet can include a hole which allows wires associated with the candledevice 2 and radio candle mount 18 to be passed into an interior of theEGM and coupled to devices located within the EGM cabinet.

FIG. 1A is a perspective drawing of a candle device 2 disposed on top ofa radio candle mount 18 in accordance with an embodiment. The candledevice 2 can provide lighting capabilities for indicating a status of anEGM. In addition, as is described below with respect to FIGS. 3, 4 and6, the candle device 2 can be configured to provide additional functionsto an EGM and in more detail with respect to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/327,584 and its parent application previously incorporatedby reference.

A candle device, such as candle device 2, can have many different formfactors. The candle device 2 can include an upper housing 10 that fitsover a clear shell 11 that forms a middle portion of the housing. In oneembodiment, the shell 11 can be cylindrical but other shapes arepossible and the example of a cylinder is provided for illustrativepurposes only. The shell 11 can be formed from a light transmittingmaterial, such that light emitted from lighting elements (e.g., LEDs)disposed within the housing can be transmitted through the shell 11 whenthe lights are activated. The shell 11 can fit into a base 12, which canserve as a lower portion of the housing.

In a particular embodiment, the upper housing 10, shell 11 and base 12can be formed from a polycarbonate plastic. The upper housing 10 andbase 12 can be metalized to provide a metal sheen if desired. In otherembodiments, an opaque coating can be provided on portions of thehousing, such as the upper housing 10 and the base 12. One or moredivider rings, such as 14, can be placed over the cylindrical shell 11to divide the shell into a number of stages, such as stages 15 and 16.

Each of the stages 15 and 16 can include lighting elements that areseparately controlled. In one embodiment, the lighting elements can beused to provide candle functions, i.e., to convey information about thegaming machine to which it is coupled. For instance, stage 15 can belit, stage 16 can be lit or both stage 15 and 16 can be simultaneouslylit to convey information about the status of the gaming machine. Ifmore than two stages are used, then additional combinations of litstages are available to convey gaming machine status information.

In particular embodiments, the secondary gaming device 200, depending onthe number of stages, can be from 5.5 inches to 7.5 inches in height.For instance, a device with two stages can be about 5.5 inches inheight, a device with three stages can be about 6.5 inches in height anda device with four stages can be about 7.5 inches in height. Thelighting elements in each stage can be independently controlled so eachstage can be lit by itself or in combination with other stages. When thecandle is coupled to an electronic gaming machine via a candle mount 18,the combinations of lit stages can be used to convey informationassociated with the electronic gaming machine, such as a need forservice.

The diameter of the shell 11 can be about 2 inches. The outer diameterof the upper housing 10 can be greater to or equal to the diameter ofshell 11, such as between 2 and 3 inches. The outer diameter of the base12 can vary from about 2 inches to 3 inches. In particular embodiments,the base can be about 1 inch in height. The height of the upper housing10 can be from about 0.5 to 4 inches. In a particular embodiment, theheight can be about 2.25 inches. In some embodiments, the dimensions ofthe secondary gaming device 200 can be selected to conform to dimensionsproscribed by regulations of a specific gaming jurisdiction. Forinstance, the regulations can specify a required height for a candledevice.

The candle base 12 can include a mounting plate 20 (FIG. 2) that allowsthe secondary gaming device 200 to be secured to a gaming machine via acandle mount 18 with wireless communication capabilities. The candlebase 12 circular cross section. In other embodiments, the candle basecan be rectangular shaped or a general polygon. In one embodiment, thecandle mount 18 can be sized such that the candle base 12 doesn'toverhang beyond the top surface of the candle mount 18. In otherembodiments, a portion of the candle base 12 can overhang the topsurface of the candle mount.

In one embodiment, a portion 18 c of the candle mount conforms toportion of the outer edge 17 of the candle base 12. The outer perimeterof the candle mount 18 does not have to conform to the outer edge of thecandle base. For example, the candle base 12 can be rectangularly shapedwith a length and width that are greater than a maximum diameter of thecandle base 12. As another example, the radius of the circular portion18 c can be greater than the maximum radius associated with base 12 suchthat portions of the top surface 18 d of candle mount 18 are visiblearound the outer edge of the candle base 12 or the radius can be smallerthan the maximum radius such that the base overhangs a top surface 18 dof the candle mount 18,

In one embodiment, the radio candle mount 18 can include two portions: aradio portion 18 a and a platform portion 18 b, which are described inmore detail below. The housing of the candle mount 18 can be injectionmolded plastic in one embodiment. According to another embodiment, thehousing of the platform portion 18 b can be formed of metal, such assheet metal, while the housing of the radio portion 18 a is formed of aradio transparent material, such as plastic or ceramic.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the radio portion 18 a and theplatform portion 18 b can be formed as an integral part. According toanother embodiment, the radio portion 18 a and the platform portion 18 bare formed as separate parts that can either remain separate or can beattached to one another. When formed as separate parts, it may bepossible to install the radio candle mount as part of a retrofit processwhere disconnecting the candle 12 is not required.

The radio portion 18 a can include a wireless communication radio deviceand one or more antennas for wireless communication involving one ormore different wireless communication protocols. The radio device andthe antenna(s) can be enclosed within a housing. The antenna(s) can beused to transmit and receive wireless signals 110. In general, one ormore antennas can be provided at different locations within the candlemount 18. The antenna(s) can be provided for communicating with mobiledevices and/or remote servers, such as for communicating via Bluetooth™,Wi-Fi™ or WiMAX related communication protocols.

In the example of FIG. 1A, a top of the radio portion 18 a is shown asbeing level with the top of surface 18 d of the other section. In otherembodiments, the top of the radio portion can be at a different heightand at a different orientation. Further, the radio portion 18 a is shownas rectangularly shaped, but is not limited to this shaped. In oneembodiment, the section 18 b for receiving the base can include arecessed portion for receiving the candle base 12. Thus, the candle base12 may rest on a portion with a level which is lower than the level oftop surface 18 d. In additional embodiments, the radio portion 18 a canbe sealed such that the antennas and communications components are notaccessible without destroying the housing associated with the radioportion 18 a. The radio portion 18 a can include security mechanisms fordetecting whether the radio portion 18 a has been accessed or modifiedin some manner.

FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the candlemount 18. In some embodiments, the radio portion 18 a and the platformportion 18 b can be snapped or locked into place with one another. Inone embodiment, a horseshoe or U-shaped platform portion 18 b and ahorseshoe-shaped radio portion 18 a can overlap such that the mountingscrews (not shown) can pass through as screw hole 23 in the platformportion 18 b, the radio portion 18 a, and the base 12 of the secondarygaming device 200 to the mounting plate 20, as shown in FIG. 1B. Once inplace, the mounting screws can secure the candle to the platform andprevent the sections, 18 a and 18 b, from being separated from oneanother. Multiple screw holes, such as 23, and mounting screws can beutilized to secure the device and the example in FIG. 1B is provided forpurposes of illustration only (e.g., see FIGS. 1C and 1D).

The candle mount 18 (and candle device 2) can be secured to a surface,such as an exterior surface of a gaming cabinet of a gaming machine 1.Traditionally, a secondary gaming device 200 can be mounted to the topof the gaming machine cabinet 1 to increase its visibility. According toan embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, an aperture 22 in the platform portion18 b and in the cabinet of the gaming machine 1 can allow a wiringbundle, including power and/or data connections for the secondary gamingdevice 200, such as a wiring bundle 121 extended from base 12, to bepassed through the platform portion 18 b and an exterior surface of thegaming machine cabinet 1 and into the interior of the gaming machinecabinet 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, a wiring bundle 121 can extend from the base 12.This wiring bundle 121 can then be passed through the candle mount 18.Wiring 131 from the radio on the radio portion 18 b can also be passedthrough the platform portion 18 b and into the interior of the cabinetof the gaming machine 1. According to another embodiment shown in FIG.1D, the platform portion 18 b can be horseshoe or U-shaped such that thewiring bundle 121 from the candle device 2 and the wiring 131 from theradio can pass through the open end of the horseshoe to the cabinet ofthe gaming machine 1.

As described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2, an existingelectronic gaming machine with a candle device can be retrofitted with awireless communication device. According to this embodiment, existingcandle mounting screws can be loosened to remove the housing of thecandle device 2 from the top surface of the cabinet of the gamingmachine 1 while leaving the wiring bundle 121 in place such that thesecondary gaming device 200 remains operably connected to the gamingmachine 1. A first platform portion 18 b can be slid under the secondarygaming device 200 and around the existing candle wires 121 withouthaving to disconnect them and thread them through the aperture 22 in thecabinet of the gaming machine 1, thereby saving substantial installationtime and eliminating potential damage to the existing connections fromundoing and then reconnecting them. The wire 131 from the radio can alsobe passed through the open end of the horseshoe-shaped platform portion18 b, and the radio portion 18 a and the platform portion 18 b can fittogether so that the horseshoe is closed. The two pieces can fittogether in any suitable manner, such as snapping or other lockingtogether.

The mounting plate 20 within the candle base 12 can allow the mountingscrews to be tightened from inside the cabinet of the gaming machine 1to secure the secondary gaming device 200 to the gaming machine 1.According to another embodiment, the holes 23 that receive the mountingscrews to secure the secondary gaming device 200 pass all the waythrough the base 12 such that the mounting screws can be tightenedexternally from the top surface of the candle base 12.

The candle mount 18 can include apertures which align with the positionsof the existing mounting screws associated with the candle base 12. Inone embodiment, the candle mount can include apertures at differentpositions to accommodate different candle designs where only a portionof the apertures are utilized for a particular candle designs. Forexample, a first candle design can utilize one or more mounting screwsin first positions and a second candle design can utilize one or moremounting screws in second positions where candle mount can includeapertures which accommodate the mounting screws with either design.

The candle mount 18 can be made for a candle having a base of any shape.As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1C and 1D, the top surface of thecandle mount 18 is configured for receiving a candle device 2 having around base as depicted by circle C. However, in other embodiments, thetop surface of the candle mount 18 can be configured for receiving acandle device 2 having a square base. In another example, the base canbe rectangular or have an irregular shaped base.

Methods of Installing a Radio Candle Mount

As noted above, an existing electronic gaming machine with a candledevice can be retrofitted with a wireless communication device. FIG. 2is a flow chart of a method 600 of retrofitting an electronic gamingmachine with a wireless communication device. According to thisembodiment, in 610, existing candle mounting screws can be loosened tomechanically disconnect the housing of the candle device from the topsurface of the cabinet of the gaming machine while leaving the wiringbundle in place and attached such that the candle remains operablyconnected to the gaming machine. The existing candle can then be raisedup to slide the candle mount underneath the candle in 620. In oneembodiment, the candle amount can be formed in two or more sections. Forexample as described above, horseshoe-shaped platform portion can beslid under the candle and around the existing candle wires withouthaving to disconnect them and thread them through the aperture in thecabinet of the EGM, thereby saving substantial installation time andeliminating potential damage to the existing connections from undoingand then reconnecting them.

According to another embodiment, the platform is integrally formed ormanufactured as a single piece for installation with an aperture whichallows the wiring harness from the candle to pass through. Thus, theplatform portion of the candle mount does not have an open end butinstead has an aperture through which the wiring bundle can pass. Inthis embodiment, the wires from the candle to the electronic gamingmachine would have to be disconnected in order to thread the wiringbundle through the aperture in the candle mount when an EGM with aninstalled candle is being modified. In the case of a new gaming machine,the wiring bundle for the candle can be threaded through the aperturebefore the candle device is coupled to the EGM.

In 630, the wire(s) from the radio in the candle mount can be passedthrough the open end or the aperture that allows the candle wires toenter the gaming machine. In an embodiment with a horseshoe-shapedplatform portion, the radio portion and the platform portion of thecandle mount can be fit together so that the horseshoe is closed. Thetwo pieces can fit together in any suitable manner, such as snapping orother locking together and are not limited to being horseshoe-shaped. Inaddition, more than two pieces can be used.

In 640, the candle with the mount sandwiched underneath the candle canbe secured to the cabinet of the gaming machine. In one embodiment, oneor more fasteners associated with the candle device can be passedthrough the candle mount. The fasteners can be configured to be securedfrom an interior of the EGM, such that access to the interior of the EGMis normally required to release the fasteners. In another embodiments,one or more fasteners may be used which can be adjusted from an exteriorof the EGM.

In 650, the wires from the radio can be used to establish acommunication pathway to a controller. The controller may be an EGMcontroller used to generate a game on the EGM or may be a controllerassociated with a secondary device, such one of the devices describedwith respect to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 or a player tracking controller (notshown). In one embodiment, the radio candle mount can be configured toconnect to multiple controllers on separate devices. The controller oncontrollers can use the radio (or radios) to communicate with remotedevices, such as a remote server.

Secondary Gaming Devices with Wireless Communication Capabilities

In this section, two secondary gaming devices are described which can beconfigured to provide wireless communications via the radio candlemount. In various embodiments, the secondary devices can be mounted toand extend from the EGM cabinet such that a portion of the secondarydevice is visible. For example, a candle device configured to providewireless communications via the radio in the radio candle mount isdescribed as follows with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. In anotherembodiment, a secondary gaming device configured for installation withinan interior cabinet of the EGM is described with respect to FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of a candle 2 including a partialcut-away of a top portion of the housing 10. As described with respectto FIG. 1, the candle 2 includes two stages, 15 and 16, separated by thedivider 14. In one embodiment, the candle controller includes 3 PCBs142, disposed in different horizontal planes. In other embodiments, thecandle controller can include one or more PCBs. When multiple PCBs areutilized, one or more connectors between the PCBs can be used totransfer data between the boards. The PCBs can include one or moreprocessors and memory which are used to execute programs for generatingadditional services on an EGM.

The upper housing 10 includes a bottom portion 138. The bottom portionincludes an aperture that allows a center conduit 136 to extend throughthe bottom portion 138 and into an interior portion of the upper housing10. The bottom portion 138 separates the enclosure from the two lightingstages 15 and 16 disposed beneath the enclosure. The central conduit canbe anchored to the base 12 of the candle 12.

In one embodiment, the one or more PCBs, such as 142, can be coupled toan outer surface 140 of the central conduit 136. For instance, the PCBscan be glued to the outer surface 140. In addition, the one or more PCBscan also be coupled to upper housing 10. In this configuration, anattempt to move the upper housing 10 relative to the central conduit136, such via twisting or pulling the upper housing 10, can damage theone or more PCBs and possibly render the circuitry on the one or morePCBs non-functional. When the one or more PCBs are coupled to thecentral conduit 136, a sensor can be provided for detecting stresses inthe central conduit. Thus, stresses resulting from attempts to twist orpull the upper housing 10 the upper housing relative to the centralconduit. The sensor can be used to trigger an alarm with a stress abovea certain threshold is detected. In general, the candle device caninclude one or more sensors for detecting tampering with the candledevice.

Power and data connections can run through the center conduit from thehousing 10 such that connections are formed with the one or more PCBs inthe housing. The power connection can be used to supply power to acandle controller. The data connections can allow for bi-directionalcommunication between the candle controller and one or more devicescoupled to an EGM, such as value input devices, value output devices,displays, etc. or remote devices, such as one or more servers. One ofthe data connections can allow the candle to send and receive data fromthe wireless communication interface associated with the radio candlemount. Further, the data connections can allow for bi-directionalcommunications between peripheral devices disposed in different portionsof the candle 2, such as lighting elements in each of the stages 15 and16 and peripheral devices located in the base 12.

The central conduit 136 can include apertures that allow power and/ordata connections to extend through the side of the conduit. Forinstance, an aperture can be provide in the central conduit at each ofthe stages 15 and 16 to allow power and data connections to extend fromthe conduit 136 to peripheral devices located in each stage, such as thelighting elements located in each stage. In addition, the power and dataconnections routed through the center conduit 136 can be connected to awiring harness that extends from the base 12.

The end of the wiring harness can include one or more connectioninterfaces. The one or more connection interfaces can couple the candleto an external power source and external communication links. Thecommunication links can allow the controller to communicate with andreceive data from devices, such as a game controller, a value inputdevice or a value output device disposed within a gaming machine cabinetto which the candle device 2 is mounted. Details of the wiring harnessare discussed below with respect to FIG. 4. A traditional candle devicemay have fewer capabilities and a simpler wiring harness and connectors.For example, most traditional candles aren't configured for wirelesscommunications or interacting with devices other than a game controlleron the EGM.

Each lighting stage, such as stages 15 and 16, can include a number oflighting elements. The lighting elements in each stage can be enclosedto prevent light from lighting elements from one stage from bleedinginto another stage. For example, the divider 150 can be composed of anopaque material that prevents light from stage 15 from bleeding intostage 16 when the lighting elements in stage 15 are activated. In someembodiments, each stage can include lighting elements of differentcolors where each of the colored lighting elements can be activatedalone or in combination with lighting elements of different colors tochange the color of each stage. The colors of each stage used in acandle 2 can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Thus, a candle withstages configurable with different colors can allow the candle to beused in multiple jurisdictions.

In one embodiment, a speaker assembly 144 can be mounted to the housing10. The speaker assembly 144 can provide sound generation capabilitiesfor the candle device 2. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the speakerassembly 144 forms a top portion of the upper housing 10 and part of asecure enclosure for the candle controller. In alternate embodiments, aspeaker assembly, such as 144, can be located in an interior portion ofthe candle device 2 where it is mounted in proximity of an inner surfaceof the housing for the candle device 2. The inner surface of the housingcan include apertures that allow sound emitted from the speaker assemblyto be transmitted through the housing. For instance, a cap withapertures can be placed over the speaker assembly 144. In variousembodiments, the candle device 2 can be provided without a soundgeneration device or can be provided with multiple sound generationdevices.

In some embodiments, the candle device 2 can be coupled to a remoteimage capture device. For instance, image capture device can be mountedto a player tracking unit installed within a gaming machine cabinet, acard reader installed within the gaming machine cabinet or at some otherlocation on the gaming machine cabinet, such as within a top box. Awired or wireless communication connection can be implemented between acontroller within the candle device 2 and the image capture device. Nextdetails of the candle wiring harness are described.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of a candle 2 including a wiring harness121. The wiring harness 121 can extend from the base 12 and through thecandle mount 18. As shown in FIG. 4, the wiring harness can include anumber of wires coupled to connectors, such as 122 and 124. Theconnectors can include data and/or power interfaces, such as 123 and125. Via the data and/or power interfaces, a candle controller, lightingelements and other peripheral device disposed within the interior of thecandle 2 can receive power and send and/or receive data.

In one embodiment, the candle 2 can be configured to receive externalpower and then condition the received power. The conditioned power canthen be output and received by another device via one of the connectors.For instance, a powered USB interface can be provided on one of theconnectors 122 and 124. The power conditions functions can also beprovided by the secondary gaming device 200 described below with respectto FIG. 4.

In various embodiments, all or a portion of the functions described withrespect to candle device 2 can also be provided by the secondary gamingdevice 200 which is configured for internal installation within thegaming machine cabinet (see FIG. 5). Because of the candle device's formfactor, the candle device 2 may utilize less common parts, such ascircular PCBs. The secondary device 200, unconstrained by the candledevice's form factor, as it is mounted within the interior of the EGM,allows it to use more standard parts, such as rectangular PCB board.

In a particular embodiment, the wiring harnesses can include a primaryconnector 122 and a secondary connector 124. The primary connector 122can be used to connect a legacy power and data connections on a gamingmachine. It is shown as a single component but can comprise multiplecomponents. The legacy power and data connectors can vary from gamingmachine to gaming machine and the primary connector 122 can takedifferent forms to allow for compatibility with different gamingmachines. As an example, the primary connector 122 includes fiveapertures 123 for compatibility with legacy communication and dataconnections on different gaming machines. The compatibly provided by thelegacy power and data connectors can allow an existing candle device ona gaming machine to be replaced with the candle device 2.

The secondary connectors 124 can be used to add new data and powerconnections on a gaming machine and to reconfigure existing data andpower connections on a gaming machine. The secondary connector 124 caninclude power and/or data interfaces, such as but not limited to fourdifferent communication and/or data connections 125. The form factor ofthe secondary connectors including the number and types of connectionsthat can provided can be varied and are provided for the purposes ofillustration only. Examples of power and/or data connections that may beincluded in a secondary connector include but are not limited to USB,DVI, HDMI, Ethernet, an audio jack, composite video, fiber optic,RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, component video, VGA, RGB, digital audio,IEEE-1394, IEC, PS/2, PCI express, PCI, PCI-X, RJ45, RJ11, ATA, SCARTand S-Video. One configuration of secondary connectors compatible withmany types of EGMs is described below with respect to FIG. 5.

In one embodiment, the candle 2 can include a power switching device150. The power switching device 150 can be configured to allow power tobe cut and then restored for one or more gaming devices on the gamingmachine. In one embodiment, the candle device 2 can be configured tocycle power for the entire gaming machine. The power cycling can beimplemented in response to a command received from an external device.The commands can be encrypted and other protocols can be used to preventan unauthorized person from sending the command to the candle device 2.In one embodiment, a mobile application can be configured to generate anauthorization message to begin the power cycling on the gaming machinevia the candle device 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of a secondary gaming device 200including numerous power and communication interfaces in accordance withthe described embodiments. The secondary gaming device includes ahousing 202. In one embodiment, the housing 202 is box shaped with sixplanar sides. The housing 202 can be other shapes and the example of abox is provided for the purposes of illustration only.

In one embodiment, the length, width and height dimensions of thehousing 202 can be about 8 inches (L) by 3.5 inches (W) by 2.5 inches(H) for a volume of 70 cubic inches. An internal volume of 100 cubicinches or less provides adequate area for the power and data connectorsand volume for the internal circuitry coupled to the connectorsincluding a processor and memory. The volume allows for the housing 200to fit in the excess space in the interior cabinet of a variety ofdifferent types of EGMs (e.g., FIG. 8 shows an interior of an EGM). In aretrofit installation, the excess space can be a location within the EGMcabinet not occupied by the existing EGM components at the time ofinstallation of device 200. The location and the orientation in whichthe secondary gaming device 200 is installed in the EGM can vary fromEGM to EGM depending on the internal configuration of the EGM.

In one embodiment, all of the power and data connectors can be locatedon one planar surface of the housing. For example, the housing 202 isbox-shaped and all of the connectors are located on surface 202 a. Thus,no connectors are located on the side opposite 202 a, side 202 b and itsopposite side and side 202 c and its opposite side. This feature cansimplify the installation process as all the power connectors areaccessible and visible at the same time which can be important wheninstalling the device 200 in a cramped interior of an EGM cabinet. Inanother embodiment, the power and data connectors can be distributedacross only two surfaces, such as surface 202 a and 202 c for example orbetween surface 202 a and its opposite side.

One advantage of locating the power and data connectors on only one oronly two surfaces of the housing is that it allows the housing to bemounted in a variety of orientations. For example, for housing 202, oneor more of the remaining sides can be used for mounting purposes. Forexample, an attachment interface can be placed on any of sides 202 b andits opposite, 202 c and its opposite and 202 a and its opposite. Theorientation of the device 200 in an installed position can depend on theorientation of one or more surfaces in an interior of an EGM to whichone or more sides of device 200 are coupled. For example, the device 200can be mounted to a horizontal surface, a vertical surface, acombination of both a horizontal and a vertical surfaces or a slantedsurface).

In one embodiment, a Velcro-type interface, such as Velcro-type tapewith two adhesive sides, can be used to couple one or more sides ofhousing 202 to one or more surfaces within an EGM cabinet, such aninterior surface of the cabinet or a surface associated with some otherdevice within the EGM cabinet. In another embodiment, another type offastener, such a mounting bracket can be used. With a Velcro-typeinterface, gaming device 200 can be easily swapped with another deviceif the device is faulty or needs to be upgraded.

The housing 200 can enclose the connectors, processors and memories. Thecomponents, such as the processors can generate heat. The housing 200can include a number of vents, such as a grill of small holes 204, forcooling purposes. A cooling device, such as a fan may be located withinthe housing or coupled to an exterior portion of the housing. In anotherembodiment, the housing can be sealed and cooling mechanisms can beplaced on the outside and/or inside of the housing, such as heat sinkswith radiators or water cooled systems. Sealing the housing can protectthe electronic components from dust and/other contaminants which cancause shorts and limit access to the interior housing, which may bebeneficial for security purposes. When vents, such as 204 are used, thevents can be covered with a grill or a mesh to prevent dust intrusion.

In one embodiment, the housing 200 can be formed from two or morepieces. The pieces can be configured lock or snap together or be securedto one another via some other type of fastener. Security sensors can beplaced within the housing 200. The security sensors can be configured todetect an access to an interior housing and/or manipulation of any ofthe internal components, such as a processor and/or memory disposedwithin the housing 200. A processor associated with the secondary devicecan monitor the security sensors. In addition, the processor can beconfigured to monitor security sensors or receive security related dataassociated with the EGM as is described as follows with respect to FIG.6.

The housing 200 can include a number of apertures for power and dataconnectors. When device 200 is installed in an EGM, such as during aretrofit, new power and data pathways may be established between thedevice 200 and various other devices within the EGM cabinet using thepower and data connectors. In some instances, the power and datapathways may be temporary in that they are only used during theinstallation process. In other instances, the power and data pathwaysmay be more permanent in that the power and data pathways are utilizedwhen the EGM is available for wager-based game play. The new power anddata pathways may be wired or wireless pathways. All or a portion of thepower and data connectors in any combination, which vary from EGM toEGM, may be used to establish the new power and data pathways. In oneembodiment, the new power and data pathways can be utilized withoutmodifying software executed by the game controller prior to installationof the secondary device 200.

In one embodiment, face 202 a includes a number of serial data ports.For example, four USB ports 206 and five ports, 218, 220, 222, 224 and226 which allow serial data communications using other serialcommunication protocols are provided. Other types of serial ports usingdifferent communications protocols can be provided and the secondarydevice 200 is not limited to a USB protocol. Devices, which can becoupled to these ports in different embodiments, are described in moredetail as follows with respect to FIGS. 6, 9 and 11.

Ports 210 can be used to couple a keyboard and mouse to the secondarygaming device 200. In one embodiment, the keyboard and mouse can be usedonly during the installation process to install software and configurethe secondary gaming device 200. In addition, the video port 208 can beused during the installation process. For example, port 208 can outputvideo associated with a configuration interface generated by device 200.

A number of power related connectors are provided. For example, ports215 and 216 can be used to receive power, such as a 12 DCV power. Apower source, such as an AC power source can be converted to the DCvoltage. Other voltages are possible and 12 Volts is provided forillustrative purposes only. The connection format is different for eachport. For example, port 215 accepts a round connector while port 216accepts a rectangular connector. Ports 236 and 238 can be used to supplypower to other devices coupled to the ports. In addition, the USB ports206 can be used to provide power to devices coupled to the secondarygaming device.

The secondary gaming device can include a number of video and audioports. For example, port 208 is a video port which can be used to outputvideo from the device 200. In one embodiment, port 208 may only be usedwhen device 200 is installed, serviced or verified form regulatorypurposes. In one embodiment, the port 208 is a VGA compatible. In otherembodiments, different video interfaces can be used, such as DVI or amini-Display-Port. Port 212 can be used to output video and audiosignals. In one embodiment, it is HDMI compatible port. An example of aconfiguration using port 212 is described with respect to FIG. 11. Port228 can be used to output audio signals. Port 230 can be used to receiveaudio signals, such as from a microphone. The USB ports 206 can be usedto receive and send audio and video signals.

The secondary device can include a number of network connectors forcommunicating with remote devices, such as remote servers or portableelectronic devices. For example, port 214 can be used to establish anetwork connection, such as an Ethernet connection. Further, one of theUSB ports can be used to couple gaming device 200 to a wirelessinterface. For example, a radio candle mount, as described above, can becoupled to the secondary gaming device via one of the USB ports 206. Thesecondary gaming device 200 can be configured to utilize one or both ofwireless and wired communication interfaces for network communications.Thus, the secondary device can contain multiple software and hardwaremodules for providing one or more of a wireless or wired interfacebetween the gaming machine and existing casino and/or lottery systems

One or more status related devices can be provided on secondary gamingdevice 200. For example, a light 232 can be provided which indicates thesecondary gaming device is receiving power. In another embodiment, alight (not shown) can be provided which indicates the secondary gamingdevice is in a ready or operational state. A switch 234 can be providedfor resetting or cycling power on the secondary gaming device. A pin canbe inserted through an aperture to activate switch 234 and cycle poweron the secondary gaming device. Next, details of internal components ofa secondary gaming device are described with respect to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a secondary gaming device 300 according toan embodiment. All or a portion of the components of the secondarygaming device 300 described with respect to FIG. 6 may be applicable tothe secondary gaming devices described above with respect to FIGS. 4 and5. In one embodiment, the gaming device 300 can be configured to foroperation within an interior of an EGM. In this embodiment, thesecondary gaming device 300 may or may not include candle inputs 326.

In another embodiment, the secondary gaming device can be a candledevice, such as candle device 2, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, where all or aportion of controller 308 is located within the candle housing. In yetother embodiments, the secondary gaming device can include portionswhich are located within the interior of the EGM and portions whichextend from or form an outer surface of the EGM cabinet. For example,the controller portion of the secondary gaming device can be located inthe interior of the EGM and control devices mounted to the exterior ofthe EGM or the controller can be located in a housing on the exterior ofthe EGM and control devices at least partially within the interior ofthe EGM cabinet, such as a display, a value input device or a valueoutput device.

In one embodiment, all or a portion of the inputs and outputs to thesecondary gaming device 300 pass through an EMC control & connectorcomponent 322, providing electromagnetic compatibility limiting unwantedemissions from the controller 308 and limiting the susceptibility orimmunity from unplanned electromagnetic disturbances. This type ofconnector may be required to conform to EMC standards such as FCC PartsA & B, IEC, and CSAA. To thwart the security of a gaming machine,individuals have been known to generate electromagnetic disturbances togaming machine components. Further, an electrostatic potential can bebuild up on a person that is discharged into a gaming machine when theperson touches the gaming machine.

The EMC control 322 can prevent unwanted electromagnetic occurrencesgenerated on the secondary gaming device 300 from propagating to devicesdisposed within the interior of a gaming machine cabinet to which thegaming device 300 can be coupled. In the embodiment, where the secondarygaming device 300 is installed within an EGM cabinet (see FIG. 5), theEMC control and connector 322 may configured to block electromagneticdisturbances from propagating into the device via its variousconnectors. For example, when the secondary gaming device is installedinternally and is coupled to an external candle device, the EMC control322 can prevent electromagnetic disturbances from entering into thesecondary device 300 from the connections between the secondary deviceand the candle device.

The power input 324 can be configured to provide the input voltagesource for the candle power supply 320. In one embodiment, the powersupply can be coupled to an AC power in line for the gaming machine.Typically, input voltages range from 12V to 24 VDC. When the gamingdevice 300 is used with a gaming machine, the power input 324 can comefrom an internal power supply within the EGM's cabinet. The power supply320, which is coupled to the power input 324, provides the variousoutput voltage sources for the internal circuits of the secondary gamingdevice 300. In one embodiment, the gaming device 300 can include voltageconversion circuitry, such as step down circuitry that enables devicesrequiring varying voltages less than the input voltage to be suppliedwith power. The stepped down voltages can be provided to devicesinternal to the secondary device 300 or to devices coupled to thesecondary device via one of its power and/or data interfaces, such as aUSB device coupled to the via interface 334.

In one embodiment, the power supply 320 can be coupled to a batterybackup 316 and used to provide the charging voltage source for thebattery backup circuit 316. Many gaming jurisdictions require certaindevices, such as security monitoring circuitry on a gaming machine, toinclude a battery backup in case of casino or machine power failure.Further, the gaming jurisdictions can require a back-up transmissionmethod for receiving data preserved and/or gathered during a powerfailure. The machine power failure could be a result of a main powergrid failure or a local machine power failure that resulted from anattempted security breach (e.g., deliberately cutting power to thegaming machine) or other reasons. The security monitoring circuitry canbe configured to detect and store any attempt to open an EGM door duringthe power failure which provides access to an interior of the EGMcabinet (e.g., see 404 in FIG. 7). The monitoring circuits are typicallypart of the gaming machine's components. In one embodiment, themonitoring circuits can be linked to the candle.

A battery backed-up transmission method can be configured to provide away to communicate security information during or immediately upon apower-up. In one embodiment, the method can allow for limitedcommunications even during the power-interruption, such as an alert thata security related event is now in progress or that power has been lostto the gaming machine. The power-up can process can be initiated anytime a gaming machine loses power, such as after a gaming machine ismoved within the casino, transferred to another location outside thecasino or following a power failure. The battery backup 316 can be usedto provide a power back-up for one or more of the memories within thecandle and provides a timing wake-up input to the controller 308 tostore and communicate any security information received during the powerfailure. The timing set point for the wake-up can be minutes or hoursdepending on jurisdictional or/and operator requirements.

In one embodiment, the controller can monitor internal security sensors350. The internal security sensors can be configured to detectunauthorized access to a component of the secondary gaming device 300.For example, in some embodiments, the controller 308 can be enclosedwithin a housing and an internal security sensor can be configured todetect when the housing is accessed, such as via a locked port, takingthe housing a part to access the interior or even damaging the housingto access the interior. In another example, the housing can include oneor more external ports and the internal sensors can be configured todetect when a device is connected to or removed from one or more of theports. In yet another example, the housing can include sensors fordetecting when a component, such as a board including controller 308 ora memory device, is removed or installed on the secondary gaming device.

In yet other embodiments, the gaming device 300 can be configured toreceive data from external security sensors, such as sensors within anEGM cabinet or sensors external to an EGM cabinet. An EGM controller,such as 354, on the EGM may also monitor one or more these securitysensors. For instance, the EGM cabinet can include security sensors fordetecting when an exterior door to the EGM cabinet is opened. As anotherexample, the EGM controller 354 can be located within a locked enclosureand a security sensor can monitor when the locked enclosure is accessed.Further, security sensors can be provided for detecting when devices areconnected to or removed from various power and communication interfaces.In yet another example, security sensors can detect when devices, suchas the bill validator, the printer or a drop box for the bill validatoris removed and replaced. These sensors can be monitored by one or bothof the EGM controller 354 and the controller 308.

In one embodiment, a new security sensor can be added as part of aretrofit process. The EGM controller 354 may not include software forinteracting with the new security sensor. Rather than updating the EGMcontroller 354 via a software modification, the controller 308 can beconfigured to handle monitoring of the new security independently of theEGM controller 354. For instance, an image capture device can be used asa security sensor to gather security information. The image capturedevice can be added as part of a retrofit process where the controller308 is configured to monitor the image capture device independently ofthe EGM controller 354.

In one embodiment, all or a portion of the communication channelsassociated with an EGM can be routed through the secondary gaming device300 with the communication controller 318. Pass through communicationcan include communications between an EGM controller 354 or otherperipheral device on the EGM (e.g., player tracking unit, billvalidator, printer, card reader, etc.) and a remote server that ispassed through the gaming device 300. The pass through communicationscan be transmitted wirelessly, via a wired communication connection orcombinations thereof. For example, a portion of the communications canbe transmitted wirelessly and a portion can be transmitted via a wiredcommunication connection. In some instances, particular communicationtypes, such as from a particular device, may be transmitted via only onecommunication mode, such as wirelessly or wired communications. In otherembodiments, the communication mode used for a particular communicationtype can be varied over time (e.g., using wireless at a first time,wired at a second time and then wireless at a third time). As describedabove, the radio candle mount can be used as a wireless interface forwireless communications.

These communications channels may support various communicationprotocols. Thus, the controller 308 can be configured to parse andgenerate messages associated with various communication protocols. Forinstance, the communication channels can be used to implement one ormore of Ethernet 328, I2C 330, RS-232 332 and/or USB 334. Othercommunication protocols that may be used are RS-485, IEEE 1394(Firewire), Netplex and other standard or proprietary serial or parallelcommunication protocols used in the gaming industry as well as thecomputing industry. If available, these channels can be implemented aswired or wireless embodiments. For instance, a wireless communicationprotocol, such as but not limited to wireless USB, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, NFC,RFID or Bluetooth can be implemented to allow for wirelesscommunications between the secondary gaming device 300 and other deviceswithin the EGM or external to the EGM. One or more different wirelessinterfaces can be used to implement these wireless communicationprotocols. Besides, wireless communications, wireless power transmissionmay also be supported in secondary gaming device 300.

Depending on the number of gaming systems to which a gaming machine isconnected, some EGMs may utilize only a single external communicationchannel connection while others may utilize multiple channels. Thecommunication controller 318 can be configured to provide thenon-intrusive multiplexing and de-multiplexing of the wireless and wiredcommunication interface data. Thus, the communication controller can beimplemented with no change or interference to any protocol or relateddata from or to the gaming machine. The non-intrusiveness can allow anexisting gaming machine to be equipped with a gaming device 300 utilizedfor external communications purposes without altering existing gamingsoftware, such as regulated gaming software used by a gaming controlleron a gaming machine or gaming system software used by back-end serverscoupled to the gaming machine, as well as without interference betweenprotocols or related data from or to the gaming machine. As describedherein, the secondary gaming device 300 can provide other functionswithout altering existing gaming software and the example ofcommunications is provided for the purposes of illustration only. Inadditional embodiments, the communication controller 318 can beconfigured to detect player messages from a player tracking unit andcommunicate with devices, such as servers associated with a playertracking system. Also, the communication controller 318 can beconfigured to communicate with portable electronic devices utilized bycasino personnel and casino patrons alike.

EGM Integration of Secondary Gaming Devices with Wireless CommunicationCapabilities

With respect to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the integration of secondary gamingdevice with wireless communication capabilities, such as provided by theradio candle mount, are discussed. Further, the operation of an EGMconfigured to provide wager-based gaming is also discussed. In variousembodiments, the EGM can be retrofitted with a secondary gaming deviceand/or a radio candle mount.

FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing showing exterior portions of anelectronic gaming machine 450. A radio candle mount 18 is disposedbetween a candle 2 and a top portion 406 of an EGM cabinet. In thisexample, the top portion 406 is a top box. In various embodiments, EGMscan include or not include a top box. The radio candle mount 18 may havebeen installed when the EGM 450 was manufactured or as part a subsequentretrofit process. The candle 2 can be an enhanced candle as describedwith respect to FIGS. 3 and 4 or a more basic device. A controllerassociated with a secondary gaming device (e.g., see FIGS. 4, 5 and 6)or an EGM controller can coupled to and configured to use the one ormore wireless interfaces associated with the radio candle mount 18.

The gaming machine 450 can be used to play a wager-based game. Thewager-based game can be generated under control of a game controllerdisposed within a main cabinet 430. The door 404 can be opened toprovide access to an interior of the EGM (e.g., see FIG. 8). Asdescribed above, one or more secondary gaming devices, such as describedwith respect to FIG. 5 can be disposed within the interior of the EGM.

The gaming machine can include a player tracking panel 405 (e.g., adisplay 410, a card reader 412 and/or a key pad (not shown)) forperforming player tracking transactions, a monitor or reel area 420 fordisplaying the wager-based game, a player input panel 446 (generallyhaving buttons) for making selections associated with the play of thewager-based game, such as for inputting game related decisions and wageramounts, a coin-in acceptor 444 for accepting coins, a bill acceptor 426for accepting bills, printed tickets and/or cashless media, a coin-outdevice (hopper) for outputting coins and/or tokens to tray 448, and aticket printer 416 for generating cashless or promotional tickets. Inaddition, the ticket printer 416 can be used to generate other types ofprinted documents, such as receipts, boarding passes, tax forms, lotterytickets, keno tickets, etc.

Many different types of EGMs including tables used for table games canbe equipped or retrofit with the radio candle mount 18 and secondarygaming devices as described herein and the EGMs are not limited to theexample shown in FIG. 7. The EGMs can have different combinations ofdevices than those shown in FIG. 7. For instance, some EGMs may notinclude a coin acceptor or a coin hopper. Further, different types ofgaming machines, such as class II bingo type EGMs or lottery terminalscan also be equipped with the radio candle mounts and/or secondarygaming devices described above.

The EGM 450 can have a game controller (not shown) disposed within alocked enclosure (see 424, FIG. 8). The game controller can beconfigured to control a wager-based game played on the gaming machineincluding receiving wagers on the outcome of a game. The game controllercan include a random number generator that is used to determineoutcomes. In addition, the game controller can be connected to a numberof devices that are used during operation of the gaming machine. Forinstance, the game controller can be communicatively coupled to thecandle 2, the monitor 420, the printer 416, the bill/ticket acceptor426, the player input panel 405, the coin-in (acceptor) 444, thecoin-out (hopper) 432 (see FIG. 8) and the audio system 418 (see FIG.8).

The game controller can be configured to send commands to the peripheraldevices that control their operation and receive data, such asacknowledgement of the commands from the peripheral devices in response.The game controller can execute regulated gaming software to performthese functions. The game controller can also access various networkinterfaces that allow the game controller to communicate with externaldevices. For example, the player tracking panel 405 can include a playertracking communication interface (see 608, FIG. 9), which can be used bythe game controller to communicate with external devices.

In one embodiment, the monitor 420 can be a touch screen display. Thedisplay can be configured to receive video content from each of the gamecontroller and a secondary gaming device described above. For example,first content from the game controller can be displayed on portion 440of the display 420 and second content from a controller in the secondarygaming device can be displayed on portion 442 of the display 420. Videoslot, poker, bingo, keno, lottery and blackjack are a few examples ofgames that can be displayed on monitor 420.

In one embodiment, the controller associated with the display 420 can beconfigured to receive sizing, scaling and positioning commands thatallow content received from multiple sources to be displayed indifferent portions of the display. In another embodiment, a secondarygaming device (see 690, in FIG. 11) can include a controller forperforming these functions. In yet another embodiment, a secondarygaming device, such as described above with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 canperform this function.

The sizing, positioning and scaling commands can result in content sentto the display 420 to be output in a stretched or a compressed formatrelative to the native resolution in which content the content isgenerated. For example, video content output from a game controller in anative format can be stretched or compressed. As described above, one ormore of the controllers on the EGM can be configured to generatetranslation functions for the video input and for the touch screenoutput that interpolates the video input to fit within a designateddisplay area and interpolates the touch screen output to account forpositioning and scaling commands received from an external device.

The touch screen display 420 can be the main display the gaming machine450 where video content associated with a wager-based game generated bythe game controller is displayed. The game controller can be configuredto output the video content in a native resolution, such as 640 by 480.The native resolution can vary from EGM to EGM. The video content caninclude indications of locations where a touch detected by a touchscreen can cause the game controller to perform an action in response.For instance, in response to a detected touch, the game controller canchange the video content output to the touch screen display.

In one embodiment, the touch screen display 420 can be a replacementdisplay such that it replaces the display installed in the EGM duringits manufacture. For example, the replacement display can be installedduring a retrofit of an EGM. When used as replacement display, the touchscreen display 420 can have a resolution that is greater than the nativeresolution in which the video content output by the game controller isgenerated. For instance, the touch screen display 420 can haveresolution of 1280 by 960 while the native resolution of the contentoutput by the game controller 424 is 640 by 480. When a displaytechnology with a fixed pixel size, such as an LCD, is used as thereplacement display, interpolation and/or smoothing can be utilized toscale the content output from the gaming controller to fit theresolution size of the display. These functions can be performed by acontroller on the EGM, such as a controller associated with a secondarygaming device, which is installed as part of a retrofit. In anotherembodiment, one or more of these functions can be performed by acontroller associated with the display 420.

As described above, a first controller can be configured to receivesizing, positioning and scaling related commands, which affect videocontent output to the display 420, such as video content from aplurality of different sources. In one embodiment, a secondarycontroller is configured to generate these sizing, positioning andscaling related commands and not the game controller. For instance, thesecondary controller can be configured to select picture in a picturemodes that allows the video content output from game controller to bedisplayed on different portions of the touch screen display at differentresolutions where the native resolution output by the game controllerand sent to the touch screen display is constant and is altered after itgenerated via one or more secondary controllers.

The sizing, scaling and positioning commands can be associated withpicture-in-picture (PIP) capability of the display 420. Using the PIPcapability, video content can be transmitted from a secondary gamingdevice and displayed as a PIP mode on the display 420. In oneembodiment, the video can be transmitted via a USB interface (see 206,in FIG. 9). Via a secondary gaming device, the PIP capability can beused to output real-time or stored video for the player. The real-timevideo can be received from a remote source, such as a server located onan internal or external network (see 506, in FIG. 10)

In one embodiment, one or more secondary gaming device can control thePIP independently from the game controller. Thus, the game controllermay not be aware that the video content that it is outputting isaffected by PIP commands issued by the one or more secondary gamingdevices or that the one or more secondary gaming devices is sendingcontrol commands to the display 420. Thus, the PIP capabilities can beprovided in a retrofit situation without modifying the game softwareexecuted by the game controller prior to the retrofit.

In another embodiment, the game controller can be configured to transferor allow control of the display 420 by a secondary gaming device. Thus,the game controller may be aware of the secondary gaming device andconfigured to communicate with it in some manner. As an example, thegame controller can be configured to hand over control to a secondarygaming device to allow it to display a bonus game presentation or awager-based game presentation on all or a portion of the touch screendisplay 420. Thus, game controller can engage in bi-directionalcommunications with the secondary gaming device to indicate when thedisplay is available and the secondary gaming device can communicatewhen it is finished using the display. When the secondary gaming deviceindicates it has completed displaying the bonus game presentation oroutputting some other type of video content, the game controller canreassume control of the display 420. When the game controller controlsthe display, it may prevent a controller on a secondary gaming devicefrom outputting content to the display 420.

FIG. 8 is a perspective drawing showing exterior and interior portionsof an electronic gaming machine 400 in accordance with the describedembodiments. The EGM 400 includes a different arrangement of componentsthen shown in FIG. 7. For example, the printer 416 is located abovedisplay 420 in FIG. 8 as opposed to below display 420 as shown in FIG.7. In addition, the EGM 400 presents different form factors. Forexample, top box 406 is rectangular shaped in FIG. 7 but includes arounded portion as shown in FIG. 8.

A light source 408 and wiring panel 414 are disposed within an interiorof top box 406. An aperture in a top of the EGM cabinet 430 on which thetop box rests can allow data and/or power wires from the wiring panel topass within an interior of cabinet portion 430. In addition, theaperture can accommodate data and/or power wires from a wiring harnessassociated with candle 2 and radio candle mount 18.

A support structure 422 surrounds display 420. In one embodiment, thedisplay 420 can be an LCD. However, older EGMs can utilize CRT typedisplays. A locked enclosure 424 is positioned beneath the display 420.The locked enclosure 424 can include a game controller. When theenclosure is opened 424, an access port may be exposed which allowscommunications with the game controller and/or may allow the gamecontroller to be removed. The locked enclosure 424 allows an interior ofthe EGM cabinet 430 to be accessed while still limiting access to thegame controller in 424.

The locked enclosure can be monitored with various sensors which detectwhen the enclosure 424 is opened and/or a lock associated with theenclosure is actuated. As described above with respect to FIG. 5, thesecondary gaming device 200 can include a locked port which allowsaccess to an interior of a housing of the secondary gaming device andsensors for detecting when the interior of device 200 is accessed.Similarly, various sensors can be associated with the door 404 whichdetect when the door 400 is opened and/or a lock associated with thedoor 404 is actuated. The game controller in enclosure 424 can beconfigured to monitor security sensors associated with enclosure 424 anddoor 404. The secondary gaming device 200 can also be configured tomonitor these sensors as well as its own security sensors.

A bill stacker 428 is positioned beneath the bill acceptor 426. The billstacker 428 can receive currency, tickets and/or other media insertedinto the bill acceptor. Typically, when the bill stacker 428 becomesfull, the door 404 is opened and the bill stacker 428 is replaced withan empty bill stacker and the full bill stacker is taken to a roomcounting and auditing purposes.

A coin hopper 432 is position beneath the locked enclosure 424. The coinhopper 432 is configured to receive coins inserted via the coin slot 444in door 404, count the coins and dispense coins into coin tray 448. Insome embodiments, a portion of the coins from the hopper 432 are routedto a drop box which is periodically emptied.

In a retrofit, a secondary gaming device, such as 200 in FIG. 5, can beplaced in an empty space in the EGM cabinet 430. For example, thesecondary gaming device can be placed beneath the bill stacker 428. Theplacement location of the secondary gaming device can be selected toinclude enough space to accommodate the secondary gaming device,minimize the length of wiring paths and allow for wires to be routedfrom the devices to which the secondary gaming device is connected suchthat the wiring doesn't interfere with normal operations of the EGM. Forexample, it might not be desirable to route wires around or near thebill stacker 428 so that the bill stackers removal and replacementdoesn't pull out and disconnect the wires.

The internal arrange of devices can vary significantly from EGM to EGM.Thus, the secondary gaming device, such as 200, may be located indifferent locations and in different orientations depending on theinternal configuration of the EGM. In one embodiment, a secondary gamingdevice, such as 200, can be placed in a top box 406 as part of aretrofit. In another embodiment, one secondary gaming device can beplaced in the top box and another secondary gaming device can be placedin the EGM cabinet 430, such as beneath display 420. In yet anotherembodiment, the secondary gaming device can be mounted to an exteriorsurface of the cabinet, such as a candle 2 configured to provideenhanced gaming functionality and then communication connections can berouted through the interior of the EGM 400, such as through the top box406 and EGM cabinet 430.

FIG. 9 is a connection diagram 600 of a secondary gaming device 200coupled to an EGM. This configuration is provided for purposes ofillustration only as different combinations of devices can be coupled tothe secondary gaming device. For example, in some embodiments, thesecondary gaming device 200 may not be connected to a card reader. Inother embodiments, the secondary gaming device can be coupled to acamera (not shown). In yet other embodiments, the secondary gamingdevice can be connected to a candle device. In other embodiments, it maynot be connected to candle device.

A first one of the USB ports 206 is connected to a value input device,which is a bill validator 426 in this example. The bill validator 426can also be configured to communicate with the EGM controller 424. Asdescribed above, the EGM controller 424 can control a play of awager-based game on the EGM including determining an outcome to thegame, which may be a random outcome, and determining an award associatedwith the determined outcome. In various embodiments, the secondarygaming device 200 and the EGM controller can be configured to bothcommunicate with and/or both control one or more of the devices on theEGM. For example, both the secondary gaming device 200 and the EGMcontroller can communicate and control a display, a printer or a billacceptor. In other embodiments, the secondary gaming device or the EGMcontroller 424 may only communicate with and/or control a particulardevice. For example, the secondary gaming device can communicate with awireless interface which is not communicatively coupled to EGMcontroller or the EGM controller can communicate with a bonus device,such as wheel, which is not communicatively coupled to the secondarygaming device.

In a retrofit, a communication connection can be interposed between anew communication pathway between the EGM controller and another device,such as the bill validator, or the new communication pathway can beadded as a separate connection. For example, the EGM controller cancommunicate with a device, such as the bill validator, via onecommunication pathway coupled to a first port on the bill validator andthe secondary gaming device can communicate with a device, such as thebill validator, via a second communication pathway coupled to a secondport separate from the first port. As another example, both the EGMcontroller and the secondary gaming device can communicate with adevice, such the bill validator, via a common port, where a connectionwas added during the retrofit which allowed the secondary gaming deviceto share the common port.

In a particular embodiment, the secondary gaming device may be able tointerrupt a communication from the bill validator 426 to the EGMcontroller 424 or from the EGM controller 424 to the bill validator 426and optionally generate a substitute communication. For example, thebill validator 426 can receive currency or a printed ticket and attemptto send the information to the EGM controller 424. The secondary gamingdevice 200 can be configured to interrupt the communication to the EGMcontroller 424 so that it doesn't reach the EGM 424 controller andinstead process the communication and send a response to the billvalidator. In another embodiment, the secondary gaming device 200 can beconfigured to route the interrupted communications to one or more remotedevices via a network interface associated with the secondary gamingdevice. In some instances, when a signal is routed to a remote device,the remote device can be configured to generate a substitute signal.

In another embodiment, the secondary gaming device can be interposedbetween the EGM controller 424 and a printer 416 and can also beinterposed between the EGM controller 424 and externalTicket-In/Ticket-Out (TITO) server. The EGM controller 424 can receive acash out command and in response generate a command to print out aticket for some amount of credits on the gaming device or dispense coinsfrom a coin hopper on the gaming machine. The EGM controller 424 cansend the amount to the TITO server that it intends to dispense. Thesecondary gaming device can intercept the request and in responsegenerate an offer. The offer can be for a lottery ticket or some otheritem of value. The offer can be displayed on a display screen on thegaming device, such as display 420. The player can accept the offer. Theoffer can be for some portion of the cash out value. If the player doesnot accept the offer, the original message from the game controller 424can be sent to the external device 150.

In general, the secondary gaming device 200 can be configured tointerrupt communications between two logic devices and optionallygenerate substitute communications on any communication pathway on whichit is interposed between the two logic devices. For example, thesecondary gaming device 200 can be interposed on a communication pathwaybetween a card reader and a player tracking controller. After it isinterposed, the secondary gaming device can be configured to interrupt acommunication from the card reader to the player tracking controller orfrom the player tracking controller to the card reader. The secondarygaming device can then generate a substitute communication. In oneembodiment, the substitute signal can be generated based uponinformation contained in the interrupted communication. In anotherexample, the secondary gaming device can be interposed between theplayer tracking controller and the EGM controller.

Also, the secondary gaming device 200 can be configured to routecommunications between two logic devices to alternate devices. Thecommunication routing can involve changing the destination ofcommunication from its original recipient. For example, a communicationsent from a bill validator 426 to the EGM controller 424 can instead besent to another destination, such that the EGM controller 424 doesn'treceive the communication.

In another embodiment, the communication routing can involve cloning allor a portion of a communication and sending it to one or more additionalsources. For example, a communication sent from a bill validator 426 toan EGM controller 424 can be cloned such that the EGM controller 424receives the communication and one or more additional devices receiveall or a portion of the communication. The routing and cloning functionscan be invisible to the devices which have sent a communication. Forexample, when the bill validator 426 sends a communication to the EGMcontroller 424 or vice versa, the bill validator 426 and/or the EGMcontroller 424 may not know that the secondary gaming device 200 hasrerouted or cloned the communication.

In one embodiment, the secondary gaming device 200 may only monitorcommunications to and/or from the bill validator 426. For example, thesecondary gaming device 200 can receive information related to monetarytransactions performed on the bill validator 426, such a transactionamount and even an image of a bill or scrip which has been accepted, anddata related to the performance of the bill validator, such sensor dataand or data from bill validator controller, which can indicate a statusof the bill validator. The sensor data and/or data from the billvalidator controller may be used to schedule maintenance for the billvalidator 426. For example, if the bill validator is rejecting currencyor scrip which is above a threshold value, the secondary gaming devicecan determine maintenance is needed. This decision may also bedetermined by a remote device, which has received the bill validatorinformation via the secondary gaming device.

In another embodiment, the secondary gaming device 200 can be configuredto send data to the bill validator via the connection between the billvalidator and the secondary gaming device. For example, the secondarygaming device 200 can be configured to download new firmware to the billvalidator. In another example, the secondary gaming device 200 can beconfigured to send commands to the bill validator, such as command toreboot itself or a command to adjust operation of a sensor on the billvalidator. In general, the secondary gaming device 200 can be configuredto directly communicate with a controller on any of the devices to whichit is connected. The communications can involve sending commands and/ordata including software, which affects operation of the device.

A second one of the USB ports 206 is coupled to the radio candle mount18. Via this communication interface, the secondary gaming device 200can be configured to send and/or receive wireless communications. In oneembodiment, the secondary gaming device 200 can be also coupled to acandle device 2, via one of the USB ports. A third one of the USB portsis coupled to a display 602. In various embodiments, the display 602 canbe a main display on the EGM on which all or portion of a wager-basedgame is output, a secondary display on which the EGM controller 424displays secondary information, such as bonus information, a playertracking display on which a player tracking controller displaysinformation or a separate display, which is controlled by the secondarygaming device, alone or in combination with a remote device. In otherembodiments, other devices can be coupled to one of the USB ports 206.For example, a camera or other security device can be coupled to one ofthe USB devices.

In particular embodiments, one or more of the USB ports can beconfigured to only connect to a particular type of device. For example,the secondary gaming device 200 can be configured to only recognize thebill validator 426 when it is connected to the first USB port of thefour USB ports. If a bill validator 426 is coupled to one of the otherthree USB ports, the secondary gaming device can be configured not torecognize the bill validator. Further, if another type of device iscoupled to the first USB port, the secondary gaming device 200 can beconfigured not to communicate with the device. In other embodiments, agreater number of USB ports, a lesser number of USB ports or no USBports can be included on the secondary gaming device.

Typically, part of the USB protocol includes allows different types ofdevices to use a standard port. For example, a USB compatible keyboardcan be plugged into the same port as a USB compatible mouse. Thus, arestriction of a particular USB port to a particular USB compatibledevice is not usually associated with USB.

Five serial ports, 218, 220, 222, 224 and 226, of different sizes andorientations are disposed beneath the USB ports 206. In one embodiment,each of the non-USB serial ports can be configured to accept aparticular type of device. The different ports sizes and orientationscan be used to reduce installation mistakes, such as during a retrofit.If all the ports where the same size and the same orientation, then twodifferent devices might be misconnected. For example, a printer 416could be connected in the card reader port 222 and a card reader 412could be connected in the printer port 226. The different sizes and/ordifferent orientations (a vertical versus horizontal orientation) helpsto ensure the devices are correctly connected. Even though the portssizes are different, the same communication protocol can be used on allor portion of the non-USB ports. For example, two or more of ports, 218,220, 222, 224 and 226, can utilize an RS-232 communication protocol.

In the example of FIG. 9, port 218 is a spare port. However, it can alsobe used to support regulatory functions, such as verifying softwareinstalled on the EGM. Thus, in one embodiment, a gaming authorizationterminal 604 or other type of device configured to perform regulatoryfunctions can be coupled to the secondary gaming device 200 via port218. In another embodiment, another device, such as a connection to abutton panel or button on the EGM can be established via port 218.

Port 220 is configured to receive slot accounting communications from anEGM controller 424. In the example, an interface 608 is interposedbetween the EGM SAS out 612 and a slot machine interface board (SMIB)610. In one embodiment, the interface 608 can have two components—amicrocontroller board, and the harnessing. The microcontroller board,which may include proprietary firmware, can be a passive or activedevice that monitors communication between the EGM and the SAS hostcontroller for the purpose of relaying information to the secondarygaming device.

The SMIB 610, often coupled to a player tracking unit, is used tocommunicate EGM accounting information to a remote device. In thisexample, via the interface 608, the secondary gaming device 200 can beconfigured to receive accounting related information from the EGMcontroller 424 sent via SAS interface 612 and forward it to a remotedevice if desired. Further, the secondary gaming device may be able tosend certain SAS enabled commands to the EGM controller 424, such as acommand to add promotional credits to an EGM or print a promotionalticket. As described above, the secondary gaming device 200 can beconfigured to interrupt and generate substitute communications on thiscommunication pathway.

SAS is one example of a communication protocol which an EGM controller,such as 424, can use to communicate with a remote device. The SlotAccounting System (SAS) protocol was initially designed to automate slotmachine meter reporting and event logging, SAS has evolved over theyears to include player tracking, bonusing, ticketing and cashlessgaming. SAS can be considered a casino communications standard becauseof its availability to all manufacturers in the industry.

The Gaming Standards Association (GSA), representing a broad range ofgaming industry manufacturers and operators, adopted SAS 6 as arecognized communications standard for the industry in July of 2002. Thelatest version of the protocol is SAS 6.02, which is fully backwardcompatible with all previous versions. SAS 6.02 complies with the latestNevada Gaming Control Board Technical Standards for gaming machineaccounting, as well as providing complete multi-game andmulti-denomination accounting. In various embodiments, the secondarygaming device can be configured to support different versions of SAS andother gaming specific communication protocols, such as protocols relatedto slot accounting.

Port 222 is coupled to a card reader 412. The card reader 412 can be anexisting card reader or one that is added during the retrofit. Amicrocontroller tap can be used for an existing card reader, such one ona player tracking unit coupled to an EGM. The microcontroller tap canplug in between the existing card reader and a SAS host controller. Anew player card reader, which may be installed during a retrofit, caninclude a built-in port that directly connects to the secondary gamingdevice 200.

Typically, a card reader, such as 412, on an EGM communicates with andis controlled by a player tracking controller on the EGM. Via aninterface, such as the microcontroller tap to the card reader 412, thesecondary gaming device may be able to receive information from insertedcards and perform functions not supported by a player trackingcontroller.

As an example, most player tracking controllers only recognize magneticstriped cards associated with a player tracking club. Via the interfaceto the card reader 412, the secondary gaming device 200 may be able torecognize other types of cards, such as a credit and debit card insertedinto the card reader. The information read from a credit or debit cardmight be used to perform a value transaction or merely identify a personwhich may not have a player tracking card. As described above, thesecondary gaming device 200 can be configured to interrupt and generatesubstitute communications on this communication pathway. For example,when a credit card is inserted in the card reader, communications fromthe card reader 412 to a player tracking controller may be interruptedor cloned.

Port 224 can be coupled to a power reset device 414. A power resetdevice 414 can be used to cycle power for one or more devices on the EGMincluding the EGM controller 424. Additional details of a power resetdevice are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/890,285,titled, “REMOTE POWER RESET FEATURE ON A GAMING MACHINE,” filed May 9,2013, by Wells, et al., which is incorporated by reference and for allpurposes.

Port 226 is coupled to a printer 416. The secondary gaming device can beconfigured for real-time remote monitoring of the health of the ticketprinter (paper low, paper out, ticket jams, etc.), allowing for quickresolution by floor personnel. In particular embodiments, the secondarygaming device can monitor both Future Logic GEN2 Universal printers(Glendale, Calif.) connected via the second port on the printer andTransAct Epic950 Printers (Hamden, Conn.) connected via TransAct'seServer Port. Other types of printers can be monitored and these areprovided for the purposes of illustration only.

Port 228 is coupled to an EGM audio amplifier 616 via interface 614. Inthis embodiment, the interface is interposed between the EGM controller424 and the audio amplifier 616. Via the interface, the secondary gamingdevice 200 can be configured to output audio signals via speakersexisting on the EGM. The speakers may also receive audio signals fromthe EGM controller 424. The audio signals from the secondary gamingdevice can be mixed with or output separately from the audio signalsgenerated from the EGM controller 424.

A power supply 606 is shown coupled to port 216. In one embodiment, anAC voltage associated with the EGM's power supply can be converted to aDC voltage. The DC voltage can be input via power port 216.

A terminal 618 is shown coupled to ports 208 and 210. In one embodiment,the terminal can support video, a keyboard and a mouse or touchpad.Typically, the terminal may be coupled to ports 208 and 210 duringinstallation, repair or maintenance. In one embodiment, these ports mayonly be used for these purposes. In other embodiments, the ports can beused to support other devices outside of installation, repair ormaintenance. For example, port 208 can be used to output video signalsto a display device 602 coupled to the EGM while the EGM is operationalfor game play. Next, details of gaming network with EGMs coupled tosecondary gaming devices and/or radio candle mounts are described withrespect to FIG. 10.

Casino and lottery operators wish to enhance entertainment andpromotional value to the gaming machines and other gaming devices on thecasino floor for their players. Due to the jurisdictional restrictionsplaced on game programs and machines due to gambling laws and the costof program changes, if even possible, it is very difficult to provideactive and real time changes to entertainment and promotional features.Using the gaming system described herein, a casino operator can have theability to deliver entertainment and promotional value to the playerwithout the need to change game program code, such as regulated gamingsoftware, on the gaming machines or the system servers, such as a playertracking server, a wide area progressive server, the link progressiveserver or a ticket-in/ticket out server.

FIG. 10 is a diagram that illustrates a gaming system 500 including EGMsoutfitted with candle radio mounts that wirelessly communicate withservers in accordance with the described embodiments. In one embodiment,the gaming system can include one or more EGMs, such as 450 a and 450 b.The EGMs can be different models and types supplied by different gamingmachine manufacturers. The EGMs can each be equipped with candle device,such as 2 a and 2 b, which can be secured to the gaming machines withcandle radio mounts 18 where the candle radio mounts 18 are disposedbetween the candles 2 a and 2 b and a top of the EGM cabinet.

The candle radio mounts 18 can include one or more wirelesscommunication interfaces as described above. Using the wirelesscapabilities of each radio candle mount, a gaming network 506 can beprovided. Via the gaming network 506, various gaming devices can utilizethe candle radio mounts for communications. For example, as describedwith respect to FIG. 11, the gaming devices can communicate with anetwork switch 656. The network switch 656 can transmit and receive datafrom different devices in the gaming network 506. In one embodiment, thenetwork 506 may allow peer-to-peer communications, such as between EGMs2 a and 2 b and/or table games (not shown).

In one embodiment, the network switch can be configured tode-multiplex/de-encrypt the data stream from the gaming machinesequipped with wireless and/or wired capabilities and send the resultantdata streams to internal servers 508 to which particular wirelesscommunications are addressed. For example, the internal servers 508 canbe implemented on one or more devices with processors and memory toprovide services, such as but not limited to progressive games,accounting, cashless transactions, player tracking, picture in apicture, hotel reservations, entertainment reservations, games includingbonus games, software, health monitoring, maintenance, valet,transportation, sports book, and security associated with a casinooperation.

In addition, communications can be provided to servers outside a localcasino area network via the Internet 510. For example, access to socialmedia sites including the ability to push or pull data from social mediasites can be provided. In another example, airline servers which allowcheck-in and boarding pass generation including printing a boarding passat the EGM can be provided. In yet another example, access to reviewsites, such as Yelp™. In general, the Internet 510 communications canenable services that depend on access to servers located on an externalnetwork. The Internet 510 communications can be firewalled and limitedto prevent attacks, such as hacking attacking, from outside on thegaming network 506 on gaming devices within the gaming network 506.

In particular embodiments, wireless access points can be provided thatallow a portable electronic device, such as 502 and 504, to communicatewith other gaming devices in the gaming network 506. For instance, via aBluetooth™ interface in the candle radio mounts, 18, a portableelectronic device can be allowed to communicate with one or more of theinternal gaming servers 508. As another example, wireless access points(e.g., see FIG. 11) providing support for one or more different wirelesscommunication protocols can be distributed throughout a gamingenvironment, such as a casino, which allow communications with one ormore of the internal gaming servers 508. In one embodiment, the servers508 can support a hospitality application executing on the portableelectronic device. For instance, MGM resorts International™ provides an“M life” players club application that can be executed on a playersportable electronic device, such as 502 or 504.

In another example, the EGMs, such as 1 a and 1 b, can include otherdevices capable of communicating with a portable electronic device. Forexample, an EGM can include a secondary device, such as a billvalidator, which is configured to receive account information thatenables electronic cash transaction from a portable electronic device.In one embodiment, the portable electronic device can include an NFC(Near field Communication) interface that can communicate accountinformation via a NFC interface on the EGM, such as an NFC interface ona bill validator. As an example, the portable electronic device canexecute an electronic wallet application that supports electronicpurchases via an NFC interaction like PayPass™ by MasterCard™. Theelectronic wallet application can be used to initiate a transfer offunds that allows credits to be deposited onto the gaming machines.

As mentioned above, a few other examples of servers that can be coupledto the wireless gaming network 506 can include servers in other gamingestablishments, servers associated with gaming regulators, third-partyservers, servers providing game downloads and peripheral softwareupdates, security server, servers providing hotel hospitality, travel,weather and lodging information and outside access to servers via theInternet. As an example of a server in another gaming establishment, oneof the internal servers can be configured to contact a remote TITO(Ticket-in/Ticket-out) server in another gaming establishment tovalidate a printed ticket remotely issued outside of the gamingestablishment in which the server is located and forward the validationinformation to an EGM. As an example of a communication with a gamingregulator, one of the servers 508 can be configured to communicate witha gaming regulator to notify the regulator of a regulated change to agaming machine, such as a change in regulated gaming software on one ofthe EGMs.

Gaming operators can allow third-parties affiliated with a gamingestablishment to provide promotional opportunities and other services toplayers on the EGMs coupled to 506. The one of the servers 508 can beconfigured to communicate with an EGM to provide a third partypromotional opportunity. As an example, via one of the servers 508 andthe gaming network 506, a ticket can be printed at the gaming machinethat allows a discount on a merchandise item or a service provided bythe third party. In some embodiments, the tickets can be customizedusing a format selected by the third party and approved by the gamingoperator.

The one or more servers 508 can be configured to allow a remote serverto communicate highly regulated or less regulated gaming software to agaming device. One difference between highly regulated and lessregulated software can be the amount of testing and approval timerequired before the software is allowed to be used in a gamingenvironment. Highly regulated gaming software typically includes logicrelated to generating a wager-based game on the gaming machine, such asdetermining an outcome and an associated award. This software and anyother software executed by a game controller on an EGM that providesthis functionality is typically not changed once an EGM leaves themanufacturer and is deployed to the field.

An example of less regulated gaming software may include firmware usedby a peripheral device, such as firmware used by a bill validator orprinter to report information used for health monitoring, firmware usedby a bill validator to detect fraudulent currency or firmware used by aprinter to print customized tickets. If the bill validator accepts abill or an instrument that is later determined to be counterfeit, thennew software can be downloaded to the bill validator to detect otherbills or instruments with similar characteristics so that additionalcounterfeit bills or instruments are not accepted. One of the servers508 can be configured to transmit and receive verification informationthat allows a remote server to verify that authentic software has beeninstalled on a gaming device, such as gaming machine.

Each gaming machine can be connected to a different combination ofgaming system servers, such as but not limited to a player trackingserver, a wide area progressive server, a link progressive server, andthe TITO Server which can be included in the internal servers 508. Forinstance, a first gaming machine, such as 450 a, can be connected toonly the casino back-room server while a second gaming machine can beconnected to the player tracking server and the TITO server. The one ormore internal servers in conjunction with a secondary gaming device onthe EGM, as described above, can be configured to allow different EGMsto receive different data streams depending on an external deviceconfiguration in the secondary device and the external deviceconfiguration in the EGM controller where the external deviceconfiguration in the secondary device can be different from the externaldevice configuration in the EGM controller which communicates toexternal devices via the secondary gaming device.

In general, the gaming network 506 can include a plurality of EGMs eachwith a native or legacy external device configuration interface undercontrol of an EGM game controller. The external device configurationinterface specifies the hardware and software used by the EGM gamecontroller for communications. All or a portion of the EGMs cancommunicate via a secondary gaming device, such as described above. Thesecondary gaming device can implement the EGM external deviceconfiguration for communications with the EGM. However, the secondarygaming device can implement a secondary external device configurationwhich differs from the EGM external device configuration. The EGMexternal device configuration and the secondary external deviceconfiguration can vary from EGM to EGM and secondary gaming device tosecondary gaming device.

In particular embodiments, a current secondary external deviceconfiguration for an EGM, such as adding a new connection to a server orremoving a current connection to a server can be implemented viaoperator communications with the secondary gaming device. Because thesecondary gaming device can be configured to emulate EGM hardware andsoftware communications including the native EGM external deviceconfiguration, the connections in the secondary external deviceconfiguration may be modified without modifying the EGM software. Forexample, via the secondary external device configuration and softwareexecuted on a secondary gaming device coupled to the EGM, an EGMoriginally not configured to provide progressive jackpot capabilitiescan be modified to communicate with a wide area progressive server or alink progressive server without modifying the EGM software. As anotherexample, an EGM originally configured to communicate to a first widearea progressive server in a first communication protocol can beconfigured to communicate with a second wide area progressive server ina second communication protocol without modifying the EGM software.

One or more devices in network 506 can be configured to provide themultiplexing of the data streams from the gaming system servers and thenencrypt the resultant data stream before transmitting. The data streamscan be encrypted to prevent tampering and misuse of any data sent in thedata streams. The wireless gaming network 506 may use one or more commonwireless technologies such as Zigbee, 802.11a/b/g/n, and 3G/4G. Also,optical transmission technologies, such as IR and laser, can be utilizedalone or in combination with other transmission technologies. In otherembodiments, power-line transmission technologies or other wiredcommunication technologies can also be utilized alone or in combinationwith one or more different wireless technologies as part of a gamingnetwork.

Existing gaming systems typically may use some form of a protocol stack.There are standard gaming protocols, such as S2S, G2S developed by theGaming Standards Association (GSA) and SAS developed by IGT as well asmany other proprietary protocols used in the gaming industry. Theprotocols are used by gaming systems, such as a player tracking systemor a TITO system, to communicate data between the gaming machine andservers across a network. The gaming systems may also use encryption toprotect data in transit. All of the gaming system's protocols andencryption techniques must be tested and approved by a gaming test laband/or gaming control board to operate in their jurisdictions. In orderto maintain integrity and security it is important not to tamper with orchange the data streams of these gaming systems. The gaming system canbe configured to provide a non-intrusive technique to transmit andreceive the data provided by the various systems, i.e., without amodification to an existing protocol that would require additionaltesting and approval.

In yet another embodiment, one or more of the internal servers 508 canbe configured to communicate with gaming tables, such as 512, or theEGMs, such as 450 a and 450 b and other devices, such as gaming kiosks,signage and machines for redeeming cashless tickets for cash. The gamingtables can include an embodiment of one of the secondary gaming devicesdescribed herein (e.g., see FIGS. 4 and 5). The one or more servers 508can be used to provide some of the real time changes to theentertainment, informational and promotional opportunities available ona gaming machine, such as 450 a or 450 b, or on one of the gaming tables512. For instance, promotional tickets can be printed at gaming tablesand gaming machines in a dynamic manner using one or more of theinternal servers 508. As another example, tournaments or other groupgames can be provided using one or more of the internal servers 508. Inyet another example, promotional activities can involve a combination ofgame play at a gaming table and an EGM. For example, a promotion and/orbonus can be triggered at an EGM based upon previous game play on otherEGMs and/or gaming tables. Further, a promotion and/or bonus can betriggered at a gaming table based upon previous game play at othergaming tables and/or EGMs.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of gaming system configured to provide picture in apicture (PIP) gaming services on EGMs. In FIG. 11, the secondary gamingdevice 200 is shown connected to a network switch 656 via a wiredcommunication connection 666 from port 214. In addition, via one of theUSB ports 206, the radio candle mount 18 can be used to establishwireless communications 110 between the secondary gaming device 200 anda remote server, such as 602. The wireless communications 110 arereceived via wireless access point 660. In a casino environment,numerous wireless access points can be provided.

The wireless access point 600 is coupled to a wireless switch 658, whichis coupled to the network switch 656. Communications from the networkswitch 656 pass through a firewall 654 to server 652. In one embodiment,server 652 can be used to monitor information from different gamingdevices, which reside on numerous different EGMs. Further, the server652 can be configured to send commands to and provide various servicesto a plurality of different secondary gaming device. In one embodiment,access to various internal external servers 662 can be provided viaserver 652.

In a retrofit situation where an EGM is retrofit with a secondary gamingdevice, the EGM controller can execute software which specifiescommunications with a first set of servers. EGM software can specifywhat information is transmitted to each server, what communicationchannel is to be utilized, what communication protocol is to be utilizedand what information can be received. The secondary gaming devices, suchas 200, can act as an intermediary device which is configured to receivethe communications in the manner proscribed by the EGM hardware andsoftware and respond to the communications as expected by the EGMcontroller. Thus, the secondary gaming device 200 emulates the externalcommunications and functions expected by the EGM controller on the EGM,i.e., the EGM external device configuration is emulated. The externalcommunications that are emulated can vary from EGM to EGM.

The secondary gaming device 200 can receive communications from anexternal gaming device and the EGM and modify it in different ways. Forexample, an upgraded player tracking system may use a communicationprotocol between an external device and the secondary gaming devicewhich is different than an older communication protocol that the EGMcontroller utilizes. The secondary gaming device can be configured toconvert communications from the EGM controller to be compatible with thenew communication protocol and convert communications from an externaldevice to the EGM in the new communication to the communication protocolwhich the EGM accepts.

The external device configuration of the EGM controller emulated on thesecondary gaming device 200 allows the actual external deviceconfiguration to be different than the configuration for which the EGMhardware and software is configured. For example, the EGM can includetwo hardware communication connections and software for communicating intwo different protocols with two separate servers. The portion of thesecondary gaming device facing the EGM can be configured to communicatewith the EGM via the hardware interfaces and software protocols nativeto the EGM and the EGM controller. However, on the portion of thesecondary gaming device facing the external devices. The actual externaldevice configuration may be different than the native EGM configuration.For example, rather than communicating with two separate servers, thesecondary gaming device may communicate with a single server usingcommunication protocols different than what the EGM is configured touse.

Ad described above, the secondary gaming device 200 can be used tosupport picture in picture (PIP) functions on an EGM. In one embodiment,the secondary gaming device 200 can be coupled to another secondarygaming device 690, which supports some of the PIP functions. Forexample, device 690 can be used to support receiving and modifying EGMcontroller generated audio, video and touch screen data under control ofthe secondary gaming device, alone or in combination with a remoteserver. For example, device 690 can be used to shrink a size of the EGMvideo data and output it with video data received from the secondarygaming device, such as in the PIP mode described in FIG. 7.

Further, device 690 can be used to route touches detected from a touchscreen on the EGM to the secondary gaming device 200. The touches maycorrespond to touch screen buttons output in the video data receivedfrom the secondary gaming device. In addition, the device 690 can beconfigured to interpolate touch screen data associated with the EGMvideo data when the data has been shrunk to a native resolution expectedby the EGM controller.

The EGM controller can be configured to respond to or ignore touchesfrom different locations on a touch screen. When the EGM controllervideo data is scaled, such as shrunk in size, the touch locations whichare active change positions on the display. Thus, the interpolation caninvolve translating touch locations associated with video data with afirst resolution to touch locations associated with video data with asecond resolution, such as the native resolution of the video datagenerated by the EGM controller.

In FIG. 11, device 690 is configured to receive power from device 200via connection 672 to power port 686. The device 200 can be configuredto send video data to device 690 via one of the USB ports 206. In thisexample, connection 670 is used to transfer video data from a USB portto a mini-USB port 684. In an alternate embodiment, port 678, which isan HDMI compatible port, can be used to receive video and/or audio datafrom device 200.

Ports 676 and 682 can be used to send touch screen data to an EGMcontroller. Port 676 supports an RS-232C serial format. Ports 682supports a communication format associated with some IGT machines.Additional ports (not shown) are used to receive touch screen data froma touch screen display in the formats associated with ports 676 and 682.Other touch screen formats are possible. Thus, these examples areprovided for the purposes of illustration only.

Port 674 can be used to receive video data generated under control of anEGM controller and sent to a touch screen display. An additional port(not shown) is used to output video data from device 690 to the touchscreen display. The video data from device 690 can include only thevideo content received from the EGM, only the video content receivedfrom the device 200 or a combination of the video content received fromthe EGM and the device 200. For example, the video data from device 200and the EGM can be combined in a PIP format as described above. In oneembodiment, in a retrofit, the video and touch screen data modificationsas well as any functions performed by device 200 can be performedwithout modifying the gaming software existing on and executed by theEGM controller prior to the retrofit.

Dual Port Devices and Configurations

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a gaming machine 400 including dual portdevices communicatively coupled to a secondary gaming device 200 inaccordance with the described embodiments. The embodiment in the blockdiagram of FIG. 12 shows the optional elements of a dual-port billacceptor 426, a dual-port printer 416, a touch screen display 420 withdual port control 403, a dual port audio system 418, and a monitoringconnection 608 of the player tracking panel 405. Dual port capabilitycan be used to provide a non-intrusive method of maintaining systemintegrity and provide additional gaming features. In some embodiments,one or more of the dual-port devices can be added to an EGM as part of aretrofit process.

In a dual port device, a first port can be used to provide the existingcommunication peripheral interface from the gaming machine to the dualport device. The game controller 424 and the peripheral device cancommunicate via the first port in a manner fixed by the use of regulatedgaming software executed by the game controller and regulated softwareand/or firmware used by the peripheral device. The second port can beused to provide an enhanced interface with the controller 308. Thesecond port on the dual port devices may be connected to the controller308 via an appropriate interface, such as one of the interfacesassociated with the wiring harness shown in FIG. 4 or the secondarygaming device 200 show in FIG. 5. In particular embodiments, thecontroller 308 can be configured to receive commands and/or data fromremote devices 508 that are sent to the dual port devices via the secondport. The controller 308 can also initiate and send commands and/or datato the dual port devices via the second port. Further, the controller308 can be configured to receive data from the dual port devices.

The dual port touch screen display 420 can be configured to receivevideo content from each of the game controller 424 and the secondarygaming device 200. In one embodiment, the dual port control 403 on thedisplay 420 can be configured to receive sizing, scaling and positioningcommands that allow content received from multiple sources to bedisplayed in different portions of the display. The sizing, positioningand scaling commands can result in content sent to the display 420 to beoutput in a stretched or a compressed format relative to the nativeresolution in which content the content is generated The dual portcontrol 403 can be configured to generate translation functions for thevideo input and for the touch screen output that interpolates the videoinput to fit within a designated display area and interpolates the touchscreen output to account for positioning and scaling commands receivedfrom an external device. In alternate embodiments, the controller 308can be configured to perform the translation functions.

The touch screen display 420 can be the main display the gaming machine400 where video content associated with a wager-based game generated bythe game controller 424 is displayed. The game controller 424 can beconfigured to output the video content in a native resolution, such as640 by 480. The video content can include indications of locations wherea touch detected by a touch screen can cause the game controller 424 toperform an action in response. For instance, in response to a detectedtouch, the game controller can change the video content output to thetouch screen display 424. In one embodiment, described in more detailbelow, the video content is associated with providing a lottery game.

In one embodiment, the touch screen display 420 can be a replacementdisplay such that it replaces the display installed in the gamingmachine during manufacture. When used as replacement display, the touchscreen display 420 can have a resolution that is greater than the nativeresolution in which the video content output by the game controller 424is generated. For instance, the touch screen display 424 can haveresolution of 1280 by 960 while the native resolution of the contentoutput by the game controller 424 is 640 by 480. When a displaytechnology with a fixed pixel size, such as an LCD, is used as thereplacement display, interpolation and/or smoothing can be utilized toscale the content output from the gaming controller 424 to fit theresolution size of the display.

As described above, the dual port controller 403 can be configured toreceive sizing, positioning and scaling related commands. In oneembodiment, only the controller 308 is configured to generate thesesizing, positioning and scaling related commands and not the gamecontroller 424. For instance, the controller 308 can be configured toselect picture in a picture modes that allows the video content outputfrom game controller 308 to be displayed on different portions of thetouch screen display 420 at different resolutions where the nativeresolution output by the game controller 424 and sent to the touchscreen display 420 is constant.

The sizing, scaling and positioning commands can be associated withpicture-in-picture (PIP) capability of the display 420. Using the PIPcapability, video content can be transmitted from the candle anddisplayed as a PIP mode on the display 420. In one embodiment, the videocan be transmitted via a USB interface. Via the secondary gaming device200, the PIP capability can be used to output real-time or stored videofor the player.

In one embodiment, the secondary gaming device 200 can control the PIPindependently from the game controller 424. Thus, the game controller424 is not aware that the video content that it is outputting isaffected by PIP commands issued by the secondary gaming device 200 orthat the secondary gaming device 200 is sending control commands to thedisplay 420. In contrast, controller 308 may be aware of a state of theEGM 400 via information generated from the game controller 424. Thestate information associated with the EGM 400 may affect operation ofthe controller 308. For example, the controller 308 may control outputof certain types of video content at certain times based upon thecurrent status of the EGM 400.

In another embodiment, the game controller 424 can transfer or allowcontrol of the display by the secondary gaming device 200. As anexample, the game controller 424 can be configured to hand over controlto the secondary gaming device 200 to allow it to display a bonus gamepresentation on all or a portion of the touch screen display 420. Thus,game controller 424 can engage in bi-directional communications with thesecondary gaming device 200 to indicate when the display is availableand the secondary gaming device 200 can communicate when it is finishedusing the display. When the secondary gaming device 200 indicates it hascompleted displaying the bonus game presentation, the game controllercan reassume control of the display. When the game controller 424controls the display, it may prevent the controller 308 from outputtingcontent to the display 420. Further details of the control of the dualport touch screen display 420 coupled to a game controller 424 and acontroller 308 are described below with respect to FIGS. 13A and 13B.

Communication links, which can be wired or wireless, are shown betweencommunication interfaces TITO (Ticket-In/Ticket-Out) 97, linkprogressive 98, WAP 99, and player tracking 100 and associatedcommunication interfaces on the controller 308. In this example, thecommunication interfaces are associated with the controller 308. Ingeneral, a gaming machine deployed in the field can be configured tointerface with one or more external systems where the number of systemsvaries from gaming machine to gaming machine. For instance, a firstgaming machine can be configured to interface with a wide areaprogressive system, a player tracking system and a cashless system whilea second gaming machine can be configured to communicate with only acashless system. The secondary gaming device 200 can include multipleports to provide communication support for gaming machines configured tocommunicate with different numbers of external systems.

The controller 308 can be configured to provide the multiplexing of thedata streams received from the gaming machine 400. The resultant datastream can then be encrypted and sent to one or more remote devices 508.Further, the secondary gaming device 200 can be configured to receivecommunications from one or more remote devices where a portion of thecommunications is in an encrypted format and decrypt the encryptedportions of the communications. The decrypted data can be sent to therespective communication interfaces of the gaming machine 400, such as97, 98, 99 and 100.

Power switching 414 can receive power via interface 110 and output powervia interface 111. One or more of the game controller 420, the audiodevice 418, the display 420, the dual port printer 416, the dual portbill acceptor 426 and the player tracking panel 405 can be connected tothe power switching 414. The power switching 414 can be controlled inresponse to commands received from the controller 308 to interrupt powerto the one or more devices connected to the power switching 414 as partof a power cycling event. In one embodiment, the controller 308 canconfigured to cycle all of the devices on a gaming machine including orexcept for itself. A power cycling event may be initiated to clear anerror condition on one of the devices. In one embodiment, the controller308 can be configured to initiate the power cycling in response to acommand received from one of the remote devices 508.

The dual-port bill acceptor 426 can be configured to read tickets (TITO)and paper currency and communicate this information on the first port,which is controlled by the regulated game program. JCM Global (LasVegas, Nev.) is one example of a manufacturer that provides dual-portbill acceptors. In another embodiment, the dual-port bill acceptor 426can be configured to read lottery tickets, such as lottery ticketsassociated with a state lottery. The dual-port bill acceptor 426 canalso be configured to read special promotional tickets and communicatethis information on the second port to the secondary gaming device 200.In addition, the dual-port bill acceptor 426 can provide cash andoperational information to the casino operator on the second port to thesecondary gaming device 200. The controller 308 can be configured tosend this information received from the bill acceptor to a remotedevice.

In one embodiment, the dual-port bill acceptor can be configured toperform electronic transactions involving a mobile device, such as 504.The electronic transactions can involve a mobile wallet applicationwhere the information received from the mobile device is used toinitiate a transfer of funds to the gaming machine 500 from one of theremote devices 508. The controller 308 can be configured to providecommunication services that allow the mobile wallet transaction to beprocessed. Further, the controller 308 can be configured to generate aninterface on display 420 that allows data associated with thetransaction to be input, output and verified.

The dual-port printer 416 can be configured to print tickets (TITO)provided by data on a first port, which is controlled by the regulatedgame program, or special promotional tickets provided by data on asecond port. The promotional tickets can be customized and regularlyupdated. In one embodiment, the tickets can be personalized based uponan identification of a player at the gaming machine. In addition, thedual-port printer can be configured to provide operational informationto the casino operator on a second port. FutureLogic (Glendale, Calif.)is one example of a manufacturer of dual port printers.

The audio channel on the dual port audio system 450 can be used toprovide the ability to use the existing game machine audio speakers 418to provide voice and audio for the player that is not part of the gameprogram. Further, the second port can be used to provide audio that ispart of a bonus game presentation that is generated by the secondarygaming device 200. The player tracking monitoring port can be used toprovide non-intrusive monitoring of the player tracking data to provideplayer ID information for the casino operator. In one embodiment, thisdata can be utilized by the secondary gaming device 200 to providecustom content to a player. For instance, the player ID data can be usedto target a personalized promotional opportunity selected based uponknown information about the player. The personalized promotionalopportunity can include a custom ticket that is printed by the printer.The customized ticket can include custom graphics and playeridentification information, such as the player's name.

In particular embodiments, when a dual port device, such as the billacceptor 426 includes regulated software, such as regulated firmware,the regulated software can be decoupled from other software on theperipheral device. The regulated portion of the software may governinteractions between the peripheral device and the game controller 424.Changing the regulated portion of the peripheral software typicallyrequires a lengthy approval process.

The non-regulated portion may involve interactions that do not involvethe game controller 424 and thus, a gaming control board may allow thisportion of the software to be updated without regulatory approval orunder a much less stringent approval process. In various embodiments,the unregulated or less regulated portion of the peripheral software canbe updated via the controller 308. For instance, if a new frauddetection algorithm is needed, such as to detect a new type ofcounterfeit currency, then the new detection algorithm can be downloadedto the bill acceptor via the second port of the dual port bill acceptor.If necessary, the power on the dual port bill acceptor can be cycled toallow the bill acceptor to restart using the new software or firmware.In another embodiment, new software or firmware can be downloaded toallow the bill validator to recognize and arbitrate the acceptance oflottery tickets as is described in more detail below.

Next, methods and apparatus for generating the display interfaces on agaming machine are described with respect to FIGS. 13A and 13B. In aparticular embodiment, a dual port touch screen display device describedabove with respect to FIG. 12 can be coupled to a game controller and acontroller 308 allowing the display to receive and to displaysimultaneously content from both the game controller and the controller308. To provide a display interface, the controller 308 can beconfigured to respond to touch screen data associated with selectablebuttons (active areas) in the content output by the controller 308 tothe display as is described in more details as follows.

FIG. 13A is block diagram of a gaming machine 400 including a dual porttouch screen display 420 communicatively coupled to a secondary gamingdevice 200. The dual port touch screen display 420 can include a numberof display modes that allow video content from the game controller 424and the controller 308 to be simultaneously output from the display 420.Some examples of display modes are illustrated in FIG. 7B. In aparticular embodiment, the touch screen display 420 can include at leasttwo video inputs, 52 and 54, for receiving video data. In oneembodiment, the game controller 424 can be configured to send videocontent to the touch screen display 420 via the video input interface 52and the controller 308 can be configured to send video output to thetouch screen display 420 via the video input interface 54.

In one example, the touch screen display 420 can be EST modelmanufactured by Digitech Systems co. LTD (Korea). Examples of screensizes include fifteen, seventeen, nineteen and twenty three inch models.The controller 60 can also be provided by Digitech Systems (e.g., aDTC-01N or the DTC-02S-02). The controller 60 can support a proprietaryserial communication protocol, such as Netplex or an open protocol, suchas USB.

In particular embodiments, the first video input interface 52 can be aVGA or DVI compatible interface. As examples, resolution from about640×480 up to 1920×1080 can supported. The 1920×1080 can support an HDsignal. The aspect ratios of the input from the game controller can beone of 4:3, 16:9, 16:10 and 5:4. The second input interface 54 can alsobe a VGA or DVI compatible interface. For instance, the controller 308can provide a DVI signal at 1280×1024 resolution.

The touch screen display 420 has a native resolution, such as U by Vpixels. For instance, the resolution of the touch screen display 420 canbe about 1280 by 960 pixels where U=1280 and V=960. The touch screendisplay 420 can include a controller 60 that is configured to receivecommands that allocate a portion of the display 420 to video contentprovided from the game controller 424 and video content provided by thecontroller 308. In FIG. 13A, the portion of the display 420 allocated tocontent from the game controller 424 is referred to the game portion 76and the portion of the display 420 allocated to content from thecontroller 308 is referred to as the PIP (picture in a picture) portion78.

The content output to the display by the game controller 424 or thecontroller 308 can include active areas where a touch input detected bythe touch screen can result in response by the game controller 424 orthe controller 308. The game controller 424 can be configured to receivetouchscreen output 70 a from a controller 60 associated with the display420. Based upon the touchscreen output 70 a received from controller 60,the game controller 424 can determine whether any active areas of thetouch screen have been selected. The controller 308 can also beconfigured to receive touch screen output 70 b from the controller 60.Based upon the touch screen output 70 b, the controller 308 candetermine whether any active areas of the touch screen have beenselected.

In one embodiment, the video input, touch screen output and controlcommands 68 can be communicated via separate interfaces. For instance,video content from the controller 31 can be sent to the display 420 viaa first interface, such as 54, control commands 68 can be sent to thedisplay 420 via a second interface and touch screen output can sent tothe controller 31 via a third interface. In other embodiment, a commoninterface can be used to communicate video content, control commands andtouch screen output between a particular device, such as the gamecontroller 424 and the controller 308, and the display 420. Forinstance, a first USB interface can be used to communicate videocontent, control commands 68 and touch screen output 70 b between thecontroller 31 and the display 420.

In particular embodiments, the display 420 can utilize a displaytechnology, such as a LCD technology, where a pixel size associated withthe display is fixed. The native resolution of a LCD, LCoS or other flatpanel display refers to its single fixed resolution. As an LCD displayconsists of a fixed raster, it cannot change resolution to match thesignal being displayed as a CRT monitor can. Thus, optimal displayquality can be reached only when the signal input matches the nativeresolution of the display 420. An image where the number of pixels isthe same as in the image source and where the pixels are perfectlyaligned to the pixels in the source is said to be pixel perfect. Forinstance, a 640×480 image mapped to a 640×480 portion of an LCD can beconsidered pixel perfect.

When the signal input doesn't match the native resolution of the displayinterpolation is used. Interpolation (scaling of the image) causes aloss of image quality. When the resolution of the video content receivedby the display 420 is smaller than the native resolution of the displayit can be scaled up. When the resolution of the video content receivedby the display is larger than the native resolution of the display itcan be scaled down. In one embodiment, the interpolation can beperformed by the video scaling 56 in the controller 60. In anotherembodiment, the controller 308 can be configured to receive videocontent from the game controller 424, scale it to fit a resolution onthe display to which it is to be output and then send the scaled videocontent to the display 420.

The display 420 can include a controller 60 configured to receivecontrol commands that affect a size and a position of the game portion76 and the PIP portion 78. In a particular embodiment, only thecontroller 308 and not the game controller 424 is configured to generateand send control commands 68 to the controller 60 that affect the sizeand the position of the game portion 76 and the PIP portion 78. In oneembodiment, the display 420 can be configured to only receive controlcommands from one device. In the controller 308, the display control 62can be configured to determine the size and the position of the gameportion 76 and the size and the position of the PIP portion 78. Unless asize selected for the game portion 76 is pixel perfect, the size of thegame portion 76 selected by the controller 308 can affect how the videocontent from the game controller 424 is interpolated onto the display420 and hence, a quality of the subsequent image that is displayed.

The image quality that is displayed after interpolation on the display420 can be affected by the resolution of the video content generated bythe game controller 424 and the size of the game portion 76 selected bythe controller 308 where some sizes selected for the game portion 76 canproduce better interpolation results and hence, a higher output imagequality than other sizes. In particular embodiments, the controller 308can be configured to determine the resolution of the video contentoutput from the game controller 424 and select a size for the gameportion 76 to produce better interpolation results.

In various embodiments, the controller 308 can determine the resolutionof the video content output from the game controller 424 in a number ofdifferent manners. For instance, it can retrieve the information from amemory location on the controller 308 where it was previously stored, itcan request the information directly from the game controller 424 or itcan request the information from a remote server. The controller 308 mayreceive information from the game controller 424 and/or a remote server,such as information that identifies the model of the gaming machine 1,which allows the candle to determine the resolution of the video contentgenerated by the game controller 424. Based upon the determinedresolution of the content output by the game controller 424, thecontroller 308 can determine parameters for scaling up and/or down thecontent on the display 420.

The touch screen display 420 can be configured to generate different anumber of different display modes that affect a size of the game portion76 and the PIP portion 78. As described above, in one embodiment, onlythe controller 308 can be configured to provide commands that select adisplay mode to utilize on the display 420. As examples, the display 420can be configured to provide all or a portion of the display modes 80a-80 m illustrated in FIG. 7B where the controller 308 determines whichof these display modes to use at a particular time. These display modesare described as follows.

In display mode 80 a, all of the display 420 is allocated to the gameportion 76 whereas in display mode 80 m, all of the display 420 can beallocated to the PIP portion 78. In display mode 80 b, a top portion ofthe display 420 is allocated to the game portion 76 and a bottomhorizontal strip is dedicated to the PIP portion 78. In 80 c, a tophorizontal strip is allocated to the PIP portion 78 and a bottom portionis allocated to the game portion 78. In 80 d, a top and a bottomhorizontal strip are allocated to the PIP portion 78 and a centerportion is allocated to the game portion 76. In 80 h a left verticalstrip is allocated to the PIP portion 78 and the remaining portion isthe game portion 76. In 80 i, a right vertical strip is allocated to PIPportion 78 and the remaining portion is the game portion 86. In 80 j,left and right vertical strips are allocated to the PIP portion 78 andthe center portion is allocated to the game portion 76.

The controller 308 can be configured to select a thickness for the leftand/or right vertical strips or the top and/or bottom horizontal strips.In one embodiment, when two or more strips are selected, such as a topand a bottom horizontal strip, the controller 308 can select the stripsto be of the same thickness (horizontal strip) or width (verticalstrip). In another embodiment, the controller 308 can select thethickness/width of the strips to be different sizes.

In 80 e, a top and a bottom horizontal strip and a left vertical stripare allocated to the PIP portion 78 and remaining portion is allocatedto the game portion. In 80 f, a top and a bottom strip and a rightvertical strip are allocated to the PIP portion 78 and the remainingportion is allocated to the game portion. In 80 k, a left and a rightvertical strip and a top horizontal strip are allocated to the PIPportion 78 and a remaining portion is allocated to the game portion 76.In 801, a left and right vertical strip and a bottom horizontal stripare allocated to the PIP portion 78 and a remaining portion is allocatedto the game portion 76. In 80 g, a top and bottom horizontal strip and aleft and right vertical strip are allocated to the PIP portion 78 and acenter portion is allocated to the gaming portion.

In 80 m, the PIP portion 78 is rectangular and allocated the entiredisplay such that none of the video content from the game controller 424is visible on display 420. In alternate embodiments, a smaller rectanglecan be used for the PIP portion 78 such that the game portion 76 is onlypartially obscured by the PIP portion 78. A disadvantage of thisapproach is that the PIP portion 78 needs to be positioned and placedsuch that it doesn't obscure any important information associated withthe game portion 76 such as the outcome of a wager-based game displayedin the game portion 76. Thus, using this type of picture in a picturemode, the controller 308 may need to determine at any given time thecontent that is displayed in the game portion 76 to avoid obscuring itwith an overlapping PIP portion 78.

In one embodiment, the controller 308 can be configured to utilize onlydisplay modes that never overlap and obscure the game portion 76. Forinstance, the controller 308 can be configured to utilize display modes80 a-801 in FIG. 13B where the game portion 76 is rectangles ofdifferent sizes. The video content associated with the game portion 76can be scaled to fit the different size rectangles but is neverpartially covered by the PIP portion 78. Further, the controller 308 canselect the scaling parameters such that the content displayed in thegame portion 76 is an acceptable quality after scaling to allowinformation associated with the content, such as a game outcome, to beadequately displayed to a player. An advantage of this approach is thatthe controller 308 doesn't have to determine the current content of thegame portion 76 when selecting a display mode that allows video contentassociated with the PIP portion 78 to be displayed, such as displaymodes 80 b-801.

As described above, the touch screen display 420 can be a retrofitdisplay that replaces the original display that was installed duringmanufacture of the gaming machine where the touch screen display 420 canhave a different resolution than the resolution of the video contentgenerated by the game controller 424. For example, the resolution of thevideo content can be 640×480 while the resolution of the replacementdisplay can be 1280×960. In a particular embodiment, the resolution ofthe replacement display can be larger than the resolution of the videocontent and the controller 308 can be configured to select a displaymode where the resolution of the game portion 76 for the display isalways greater than or equal to the resolution of the video contentgenerated by the game controller 424. Thus, the content is displayedpixel perfect or in a scaled up format. For instance, if the resolutionof the video content generated by the game controller is 640×480 thenthe minimum U dimension selected by the controller 308 is greater thanor equal to 640 and the minimum V dimension selected by the controller308 is greater than or equal to 480. In one embodiment, the controller308 can be configured to only select a picture perfect (no scaling) forthe content from the game controller 424.

When the U an V dimensions are selected as described in the previousparagraph, the video content generated by the game controller 31 can bestretched (interpolated) in the U, V or both U and V directions when itis displayed in the game portion 76. However, the video contentgenerated by the game controller 424 is never shrunk below theresolution output by the game controller 424 in the U and V directions.It may not be desirable to scale down the video content generated by thegame controller 31 below the resolution in which it is output from thegame controller 424 because shrinking causes data to be removed from theimage and hence information to be lost.

Returning to FIG. 13A, the game controller 424 can include software 50for generating the video content sent to the display 420. In oneembodiment, the output resolution of the software 50 can be fixed suchthat video content with the same resolution is sent independent of thesize of the game portion 76 selected by the controller 308. The videocontent which is sent from the controller 308 to the display 420 can begenerated by the video software 64. In particular embodiments, thecontroller 308 can be configured to generate video content withdifferent resolutions depending on a size and a format of the PIPportion 78 selected by the controller 308. For instance, the controller308 can be configured to select a size of the PIP portion 78 and thengenerate content that is pixel perfect with the size of the PIP portion78.

In one embodiment, the controller 308 can be configured with a maximumresolution for the content output. For instance, the maximum dimensionof a strip can be 120×1024. The controller 308 can select a strip withsmaller dimensions, 60×1024. However, the controller 308 will not selecta strip with larger dimensions, such as 150×1024. When the smallerdimensions are selected, the content sent to the display 420 will be themaximum resolution, such as 120×1024. After receiving the content,controller 60 can be configured to scale down the content to a smallerresolution, such as 60×1024.

In one embodiment, the secondary gaming device 200 can receive videosignals 72 including audio from a remote device. For instance, the videosignals can be associated with a live sports event or live broadcasttelevision. In addition, the video signals can be associated withpre-recorded content, such as previously aired television shows, theatermovies, music videos or Internet content (e.g., YouTube videos). Thevideo software 64 can be configured to integrate video signals from oneor more video feeds into the video content output in the PIP portion 78.

Sounds can be associated with the video content output from thecontroller 308. For instance, a video feed for a live sporting eventdisplayed in the PIP portion 78 can include commentary associated withthe sporting event. The sound control 65 associated with the controller308 can be configured to output the sounds associated with the videocontent. In one embodiment, the sounds can be output via an audio deviceassociated with a gaming machine, such as a dual port audio device(e.g., see FIG. 12). In yet another embodiment, the secondary gamingdevice 200 can be configured to output the sounds via a device carriedby a player such as a Bluetooth™ headset or via headphones coupled bywire to an audio output jack on their cell phone. In one embodiment, thecontroller 308 can generate an interface in the PIP portion 78 thatallows a player to choose a method for outputting sounds associated withthe video content form the controller 308, change the volume of thesound and/or mute the sound.

As described above, the video content associated with the gamecontroller 424 and the controller 308 can include a number of activeareas where in response to touch screen input received in the activeareas, the game controller 424 or the controller 308 can generate aresponse. The touch input associated with an active area is receivedwhen the touch screen is activated above a location where the activearea is output on the display 420. To respond properly to a touch, theactive areas displayed in the video content need to be mapped tocorresponding locations on the touch screen, i.e., the receiving devicesdetermines that a touch input received at a particular location anddetected by the touch sensor corresponds to an active area displayed atthe location on the display 420.

Typically, the game controller 424 will expect to receive touch screenoutput that corresponds to a game portion 76 filling the entire displayscreen (e.g., display mode 80 a). The game controller 424 may not beaware of changes in size and position of the game portion on display 420that can affect the locations where the touch sensor detects input for aparticular active area that is output to the display 420. Thus, when thevideo content associated with the game portion 76 is output in windowsize and with a location different from a full screen mode, the touchscreen output 70 a sent to the game controller 424 may no longer matchthe locations of active areas expected by the game controller 424. Toaccount for changes in position and size of the game portion, atransformation operation can be performed that interpolates the inputreceived by the touch screen on display 420 for a particular size andposition of the game portion to an input expected by the game controller424. These transformation operations are discussed in more detail in thefollowing paragraphs.

The controller 60 can be configured to scale the touch screen output 70a sent to the game controller 424. For instance, the controller 308 canbe configured to provide a resolution of the video input 52 from thegame controller 424 and a resolution of the game portion 76 to thecontroller 60 where the resolution of the game portion 76 can bedifferent from the resolution of the video content from the gamecontroller 424. Using this input, the controller 60 can be configured tointerpolate the touch screen results to match the resolution of thevideo content of the game controller 424. As an example, the resolutionof the game portion 76 can be 960×720 and the resolution of the videocontent from the game controller 424 can be 640×480 and the controller60 can be configured to scale touch inputs received in the 960×720 gameportion 76 to the 640×480 size. After scaling, the touch screen output70 a can be sent to the game controller 424 in the 640×480 size. Asshown in FIG. 13B, the game portion 76 can be positioned at differentlocations on the display 420. The controller 60 can be configured toaccount for the position of the display portion 76 when performing thescaling. For instance, the game controller 424 can expect the touchscreen input to start in the lower left hand corner of the display 420and the controller 60 can be configured to scale the touch screen outputso that it appears to start from this location. In alternateembodiments, the secondary gaming device can be configured to performthis scaling and then send the scaled results to the game controller424.

In one embodiment, the secondary gaming device 200 can be configured toreceive the touch screen output 70 b for the entire display includingthe game portion 76 and the PIP portion 78 while the game controller 424only receives the touch screen output 70 from the game portion 76 scaledto the resolution of the video content from the game controller 424. Thecontroller 308 can be configured to determine if any of the touch screeninput corresponds to active areas associated with video contentgenerated and output to the display in the PIP portion 78. Whencontroller 308 detects that a location on the touch screen sensor hasbeen activated that corresponds to an active area in the video contentgenerated by the controller 308, the controller 308 can perform anaction in response. For instance, in response to detecting touch sensordata that corresponds to an active area, the controller 308 can generatenew video content in the PIP portion 78 and/or rearrange the content inthe PIP portion 78.

In particular embodiments, the secondary gaming device 2 can beconfigured to save and/or send touch input associated with the gameportion 76 to a remote device. The touch input associated with the gameportion 76 can be in the scaled or non-scaled format. The remote devicecan be configured to determine whether the touch screen input isassociated with any active areas generated by the display when the touchscreen data was received. To make this determination, the secondarygaming device 200 can also be configured to send information related toa state of the wager-based game generated by the game controller 424 tothe remote device, such as whether the gaming machine is in an idlestate, displaying an outcome to a game, between games or in a bonusstate. Further, the secondary gaming device can be configured to send tothe remote device information regarding details of the game output bythe game controller, such as a particular version of a video slot gameby a particular manufacturer. The state information can be used by theremote device to determine what content is associated with the touchinput and whether any active areas have been selected.

In response to determining an active area has been selected in the gameportion, the remote device can send commands to the candle that causethe controller 308 to alter the content output to the PIP portion 78.For instance, in response to detecting a see pays button being activatedin the game portion 76, the remote device can be configured to sendcommands to the controller 308 to output additional video content in thePIP portion 78 for a supplementary bonus game generated by thecontroller 308. In another embodiment, when remote device determines aselection of a particular symbol in a bonus game generated by the gamecontroller 31 has been selected, the remote device can send commands toalter the content displayed in the PIP portion 78. For instance, inresponse to detecting the selection, the remote device can command thecontroller 308 to output video content associated with a supplementarybonus game that can include an additional award being provided to theplayer that is separate from the award associated with the bonus gamegenerated by the game controller 424.

In another example, the remote device can command the controller 308 togenerate a bonus presentation that augments the bonus presentationprovided by the game controller 424. The supplementary bonus gamepresentation generated by the controller 308 can include time relevantinformation. For instance, if the bonus game from the game controller istriggered during a super bowl weekend or Saint Patrick's Day, then thebonus game from the controller 308 can include a super bowl theme or aSaint Patrick's Day theme that complements the bonus game output by thegame controller 424.

In alternate embodiments, the functions performed by the remote devicecan be performed by the controller 308. Thus, the controller 308 may nothave to send the touch screen output associated with the game portion 76to the remote device. For instance, the controller 308 can be configuredto determine that a bonus game has been triggered, is displayed in thegame portion 76 and that a particular symbol selection associated withthe bonus game has been made. In response to the determination, thecontroller 308 can be configured to generate and output a supplementarybonus game presentation to the PIP portion 78.

In one embodiment, the touch screen display can support a multi-touchcapability. For instance, the controller can be configured to detect andreport two touch inputs on the touch screen moving towards one anotheror moving away from one another. The controller 308 can be configured torespond to the multi-touch output. For instance, in response to thedetection of two touch inputs moving together, the controller 308 can beconfigured to reduce the size of or close the PIP portion 78 or close amenu in the PIP portion 78. Whereas, in response to the detection of twotouch inputs moving away from one another, the controller 308 can beconfigured to open the PIP portion 78 or open/expand a menu in the PIPportion 78.

Lottery Gaming Services

Next, lottery gaming services including retrofitting a deployed EGM toprovide these capabilities are described with respect to FIGS. 14-27C.FIGS. 14-26 include screen shots from a display on a video gamingmachine. FIGS. 27A-27C include examples of secondary tickets. Thelottery gaming services can be deployed to different gaming devices,such as hand-held gaming devices, mobile phones, tablets, lotteryterminals, bingo terminals, slot machines, electronic gaming tables,sports book terminals, keno terminals, cash machines, kiosks or anyother type of device including a display. Thus, the example ofimplementing the methods and apparatus on an EGM where the primary gameis output to a video display is for the purposes of illustration onlyand is not meant to be limiting.

FIG. 14 shows a portion of a player interface 700 including a touchscreen display 702, a printer 710, a bill/ticket acceptor 712 and amechanical cash out button 708. Additional details of the playerinterface are described above with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8. Awager-based game is output on a top portion 704 of the display 702.Selectable items associated with different activities are output on alower portion 706 of the display 702. In one embodiment, a selectableitem 716 associated with a lottery gaming services is output.

The balance 714 on the EGM is shown as one hundred dollars. The onehundred dollars may have resulted from play of a wager-based game and/orvalue transferred to the EGM. For example, a ticket associated with avalue may have been inserted in the bill/ticket acceptor 712 and valueassociated with the ticket may have been deposited on the EGM.

In FIG. 15, a selection of the cash out button 708, indicated by finger722, is shown. The cash out button is shown as a mechanical button. Inanother embodiment, the cash out button can also be implemented as atouch screen button on display 702. As shown in FIG. 16, the selectionof the cash out button can cause a touch screen interface which allows alottery ticket to be purchased to be output to the player interface 725.

In FIG. 16, in response to the selection of cash out button 708, thelottery interface 726 is output in the upper portion of the display 702on the player interface 725. In this example, the lottery interface isoutput over the top of wager-based game which was previously shown. Inother embodiments, the lottery interface 726 can be displayed on otherportions of the display where all or a portion of the graphicsassociated with the wager-based game may be concurrently visible withthe lottery interface 726.

The lottery interface 726 includes information about a state lottery anda jackpot associated with the lottery. Other types of lotteries arepossible, such as a casino sponsored lottery, and the example of a statelottery is provided for the purposes of illustration only. The interfaceincludes an offer to purchase a lottery ticket and selectable buttons732 and 734, to indicate an acceptance of the offer or a rejection ofthe offer, respectively. In one embodiment, when the “no thanks” button734 is selected the lottery interface 726 can be removed from thedisplay 702 and the cash out process may continue. For example, a ticketredeemable for one hundred dollars can be output from the printer 710.

The lottery interface 726 can be generated in response to other eventsbesides a selection of the cash out button. For example, in oneembodiment, a selection of button 716 can cause the lottery interface tobe generated or can cause a menu to be displayed which leads to anoption that causes the lottery interface 726 to be displayed. In oneembodiment, an offer to purchase a lottery ticket can be triggered froma game event, such as certain combination of symbols being output aspart of a wager-based.

In another embodiment, lottery tickets can be offered as an awardassociated with the play of a wager-based game. For example, one or morelottery tickets can be dispensed when a bonus event occurs, which isassociated with the play of a wager-based game, i.e., instead of freespins, free lottery tickets are offered. The player may have the optionof selecting the numbers for the lottery tickets which are awarded orthe numbers can be selected by the system without player input. In oneembodiment, the system can store numbers which a player likes to selectfor lottery tickets. The system can be configured to retrieve and usethese numbers when generating lottery tickets for a player.

In another embodiment, as part of an award, the player can be offered acertain amount of credits or a certain amount of lottery tickets. Theconversion between the value of the lottery ticket and the value of thecredits may not be one to one. For example, an offer can be made toprint a ticket with a first cash value or take lottery tickets with apurchase value greater than the first cash value. For instance, an offercan be made to receive a ticket redeemable for one hundred dollars or alottery tickets with a purchase value of one hundred and ten dollars forone hundred dollars.

Returning to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, a selection of the cash outbutton 708 only causes the lottery interface to be output when there aresufficient funds available on the EGM to purchase a minimum valuelottery ticket. For example, when the minimum value of the lotteryticket which can be purchased is one dollar and cash out value is lessthan a dollar a selection of the cash out signal may not cause thelottery interface to be output.

In another embodiment, when the minimum value of the lottery ticket isgreater than the current cash out value, the player can be offered alottery ticket purchase with the caveat that additional funds need to bedeposited on the gaming device before the lottery ticket can be issued.The capability to transfer additional credits to the EGM may also applyif the credits allow some fraction of a lottery ticket to be purchased.For example, if the credits on the EGM allow four and one half lotterytickets to be purchased, the lottery interface may allow a user totransfer additional funds to the EGM to purchase five lottery tickets.

In one embodiment, the capability to purchase lottery tickets may onlybe made available after funds are transferred to the EGM. In anotherembodiment, the system may allow a user to select a button, such asbutton 716. In response, an offer to purchase lottery tickets can beoutput to the display 702 for some time period. In response to theoffer, the player can deposit credits on the EGM and purchase thelottery tickets. If the offer is not acted upon within some time periodthen the lottery interface can be removed from the display 702.

As described above, the lottery gaming services may be implemented aspart of a retrofit process where the software on the game controller isnot modified. In a typical EGM, prior to a retrofit, when a cash outbutton is depressed and there are credits remaining on the EGM, a signalis sent to the game controller. In response, the game controller sends avalue amount and a request for a validation number to a remote server(e.g., a TITO server), which the remote server associates with the valueamount. Then, the game controller sends a command to a printer to printa ticket including the validation number to a printer. After the ticketis printed, meters on the EGM record that the value amount which hasbeen dispensed from the EGM.

In one embodiment, hardware can be installed in the retrofit whichallows the signal from the cash out device to be intercepted before itreaches the game controller. The signal interception can be done undercontrol of the secondary gaming device. For instance, in response todetecting the cash out signal, the offer for the lottery ticket can bemade where the cash out signal is intercepted and doesn't reach the gamecontroller. In response to receiving the cash out signal, the lotteryinterface 726 in FIG. 16 can be generated under control of the secondarygaming device, under control of a remote device, such as a server, orunder control of both the secondary gaming device and the remote device.

In general, functions associated with the secondary gaming device mayalso be alternately performed by a remote device. For example,information indicating a detection of the cash out signal can be sent toa remote device which can control a generation of the lottery interface726 in FIG. 16. Thus, the example of functions performed under controlof the secondary gaming device is for the purpose of illustration onlyand is not meant to be limiting.

When the lottery offer is accepted, a command can be sent to the gamecontroller using an appropriate communication protocol to subtract thevalue of the offer from the credits on the EGM. Many game controllerssupport a protocol which allows credits to be removed or added to theEGM via these types of commands. Further, under control of the secondarygaming device, a printer can output one or more lottery ticketsassociated with the accepted offer. A record of the transaction can bestored to a power-hit tolerant memory on the secondary gaming device. Inone embodiment, the secondary gaming device can include meters which areupdated in response to the lottery transaction.

Next, a cash out signal can be generated and sent to the gamecontroller. For example, the cash out signal can be generated undercontrol of the secondary gaming device and then inserted into thecommunication path between the game controller and the cash out button.Then, the game controller can proceed, as it is programmed, to controlprinting of a ticket associated with the remaining value after the valueof the lottery offer has been subtracted off the credit meter of theEGM.

In another embodiment, a secondary cash out button can be output to thedisplay 702 under control of the secondary gaming device. In response toreceiving a signal from the secondary cash out button, the secondarygaming device can generate the lottery interface 726 in FIG. 16. If thelottery offer is accepted, then a command can be sent to the gamecontroller to subtract the value of the lottery offer from the EGM andlottery tickets can be output from the printer. In this example, it isnot necessary to intercept and block the cash out signal using ahardware device.

Next, in one embodiment, the cash out signal can be generated andinserted in the communication path between game controller and thehardware cash out button. If it is possible to send a cash out commanddirectly to the game controller, then the cash out signal can begenerated in this manner. Then, the game controller can proceed totransfer the remaining value off the machine, such as via printing of aticket or via an electronic fund transfer to a remote account. Inanother embodiment, after the lottery ticket is purchased, the remainingvalue may not be transferred off the EGM, until the cash out button ishit again, such as, after the hardware cash out button native to the EGMis depressed. In this instance, when a lottery offer has already beenmade, it is not repeated in response to one of the cash out buttonsbeing pressed a second time.

Next, further details of the lottery transaction are discussed. Inresponse to detecting a selection of button 732, such as by a finger onhand 722 on player interface 740, a state of the lottery interface 726can change. One example of the lottery interface 726 after a selectionof button 732 is shown in FIG. 18.

In FIG. 18, in the lottery interface 726 of the player interface 750,the cost of each ticket 752 or a value associated with the ticket andthe draw date of the lottery 754 is shown. If the tickets have beenoffered as part of an award, then the value of the ticket can be output.However, it will not cost an additional amount to purchase the ticket.Thus, value can be displayed instead of cost.

An interface 756 for entering values associated with the lottery ticketis generated. In this example, numbers can be selected and removed ifnecessary. The numbers will typically be within some specified range,such as 1-59 as shown in FIG. 18. In other embodiments, other types ofsymbols can be utilized, such as letters, pictures, etc., and theexample of numbers is provided for the purpose of illustration only. Inone embodiment, a quick pick button 758 is provided. When the quick pickbutton 758 is selected, numbers used with the lottery ticket can berandomly selected and output to the display in the spaces associatedwith ticket 764. A selection of the clear button can cause the numbersassociated with one or all of the quick pick selections to be removed.The clear button can also cause user selected numbers to be cleared.

An option is provided to allow a purchase of multiple tickets. In thisexample, up to four tickets 762 can be purchased at a time. Otheramounts are possible and four is provided for the purpose ofillustration only. An option 766 is provided which allows a player toconvert the ticket to a power pay ticket. This option raises thepurchase cost of the ticket and also requires a selection of anadditional number, i.e., the power ball number. The selected value ofthe power ball number, which can be between 1-35, in this example, isoutput to box 770. When the ticket is not a power ball ticket, then box770 may not be displayed. A selection of the yes button 768 causes theticket to be converted to a power pay ticket.

In 772, when the selection process for the ticket is complete, apurchase can be made via a selection of button 772. A selection ofbutton 774 can cause the lottery interface 726 to be collapsed and theunderlying game to be again output as shown in FIG. 14. As describedabove, the value of the purchase can be deducted from credits on theEGM. In one embodiment, the lottery interface 726 may allow adesignation of a purchase which is greater than amount currently on theEGM. Thus, to complete the purchase, an additional value amount may haveto be transferred to the EGM, such as via an insertion of cash or aticket redeemable for some amount value.

In another embodiment, the lottery interface 726 may not allow aselection of a purchase amount greater than the value of the credits onthe EGM. For example, if each ticket costs two dollars and the creditson the EGM is five dollars, then the lottery interface may be configuredto allow purchases of one or two tickets. To purchase more tickets witha total greater value, more value would first need to be transferred tothe EGM.

In FIG. 19, the hand 722 is used to show a selection of a number oflottery tickets to purchase in the lottery interface 726 on playerinterface 780. In response, to receiving the selection, a state of thelottery interface 726 is changed to show spaces, such as 782 forselecting numbers for the ticket. The spaces include places for fivenumbers with a range of one to fifty nine and one number with a range ofone to thirty five. The format, i.e., required information for eachticket is the same. In other embodiments, the interface 726 can beconfigured to allow a purchase of tickets of different types withdifferent types of required inputs, such as tickets requiring aselection of three, four or five numbers of varying ranges. Further, asdescribed below, the interface 726 can be configured to offer a purchaseof “scratch-off” type tickets. As described above, the state of thelottery interface 726 can be controlled by a secondary processor on asecondary gaming device installed on the EGM, a secondary processor on aremote device or combinations thereof.

In FIG. 20, the hand 722 is used to indicate a selection of the quickpick button 758 on the lottery interface 726 on player interface 790. Inresponse to activation of the quick pick button 722, the spaces 782 arepopulated with numbers. In some embodiments, the system can beconfigured to allow an input which clears one or more of the selectednumbers. Then, the cleared numbers can be manually specified. The randomnumbers can be generated via a hardware or software module located on asecondary gaming device installed on the EGM or located on a remoteserver. The amount of random numbers generated will depend on the numberof tickets selected and the type of ticket, i.e., numbers required perticket.

In one embodiment, the system can be configured to store, to a power-hittolerant memory, input for the ticket, such as numbers, as they arespecified. For example, the random numbers shown in FIG. 20 can bestored to a power-hit tolerant memory. As another example, as eachnumber is specified via manual input, such as through the lotteryinterface 726, the manual input can be stored to the power-hit memory.

In the event of a power-failure, the secondary gaming device can beconfigured to know whether a lottery interface was being displayed. Whenthe lottery interface was being displayed prior to a power issue, thesecondary gaming device can be configured to restore the lotteryinterface to a state prior to the power issue. This state can includeany lottery numbers which have been manually selected or randomlyselected and output to the interface 726.

Power-hit tolerant memory can be located on the secondary gaming device,a remote server or both. For example, if numbers are randomly generatedby a remote server, the server can store the numbers to a power-hittolerant memory and then send the numbers to a secondary gaming device.The secondary gaming device can receive the numbers, store them to apower-hit tolerant memory and then output them to the lottery interface.If the secondary gaming device generated the numbers, then it can storethem to the power-hit memory prior to outputting the numbers. Then, inthe instance of a power failure or some other failure which causes thelottery interface to cease being output, the numbers stored in thepower-hit memory can be used to restore the lottery interface to a stateincluding numbers designated prior to the failure.

In FIG. 21, via hand 722, a selection of the purchase button 772 inlottery interface 726 on player interface 800 is shown. In response todetecting an activation of the purchase button 772, a request can besent to remote server including but not limited to the numbers selectedfor each ticket, the value of each ticket, information about thedrawing, where the ticket was purchased and identification informationof the gaming device on which the purchase was made. For example, thesecondary device can send a request to back-end server which includesthe numbers shown for each ticket, the draw date, the two dollar costfor each ticket, device identification information, such as a deviceserial number, a name of a casino where the device is located, etc. Thisinformation can also be stored to a power hit tolerant memory as part ofa pending transaction. In response, the back-end server may store andthen forward this information to a lottery server, such as a statelottery server or a local casino lottery server. In another embodiment,the secondary gaming device may be able to communicate directly with thelottery server.

In response, the lottery server can receive the information in therequest, store the information and generate an identifier, such as anumber or combination of numbers, letters or symbols. Further, thelottery server and the back-end server can communicate information whichallows for an electric funds transfer associated with the ticketpurchase to be made. The unique identifier can be received directly atthe secondary device or via one or more intermediary devices, such asback-end server. In one embodiment, a unique identifier can be generatedfor each ticket which is printed where a printed ticket can beassociated with multiple purchased tickets, such as the four ticketsshown in FIG. 21. In another embodiment, a unique identifier can begenerated for each ticket which is purchased. For example, a uniqueidentifier can be generated for each of the four tickets shown in FIG.21.

When the secondary gaming device receives the identifiers from theremote lottery server, a command to deduct the funds from the creditmeters on the EGM can be generated and commands to print the ticket canbe generated. Further, a command can be generated which triggers a cashout of the remaining value on the EGM after the lottery ticket purchase.For example, the secondary gaming device can generate a cash out signalwhich is inserted in the communication pathway between the gamecontroller and the cash out button which causes the game controller tocomplete the cash out transaction. In addition, a record of thetransaction can be stored to a power hit memory on the secondary gamingdevice.

If no identifiers are received within some time specified time period,then the secondary gaming device may cancel the transaction and output amessage on the player interface 800 which indicates the transaction wasnot completed. In addition, the secondary gaming device can generate acash out signal which causes the game controller to perform a cash outtransaction. In one embodiment, the secondary gaming device can store arecord of the cancelled transaction including a reason as to why it wasnot completed, such as it was not able to receive the unique identifiersto print on the lottery ticket or tickets.

As described above, after the unique identifiers are received, a commandcan be sent to print the purchased lottery tickets and the lotteryinterface can be collapsed from the display 702 on the player interface810 such that the wager-based game is again visible. The print processcan involve sending commands including information to the printer whichallows a valid and redeemable lottery ticket to be dispensed. Theinformation can include details about the type of ticket printed,numbers selected, one or more unique identifiers, etc. A portion of theinformation can be encoded in an optically readable format, such as abar-code. For example, a unique identifier can be encoded as a bar-code.

In FIG. 22, a lottery ticket 812 is shown being dispensed from printer710 on the player interface 810. A command has been sent to the gamecontroller to deduct the eight dollar cost of the lottery tickets fromthe credit balance. Thus, the new credit balance 714 is ninety twodollars.

In one embodiment, the secondary gaming device can be configured togenerate games and maintain a credit meter separate from the creditmeter managed by the EGM. In this instance, the lottery tickets may bepurchased using the credits on the credit meter maintained by the gamecontroller, using the credits on the credit meter maintained by thesecondary gaming device or combination thereof. When the secondarygaming device is controlling the lottery interface and credits from thecredit meter maintained by the secondary gaming device are used toobtain a lottery ticket, the secondary gaming device can perform thetransaction internally without sending a command to another device, suchas the game controller to deduct the credits used in the transaction.

In another embodiment, a credit meter can be also maintained on a remotedevice, such as a remote server. For example, in a player trackingserver, promotional credits can be maintained for a player. In oneembodiment, the secondary gaming device can be configured to allow aconversion of promotional credits award to a player through a playertracking system into lottery tickets.

In a retrofit, the software on the printer may have to be modified toallow it to receive commands to print the lottery ticket and thenactually print it in some specified format. Some lottery authoritiesrequire a special kind of paper to be used for printing lottery tickets.This feature may require replacing an existing printer head, paper feedtrays and possibly the entire printer to make the printer compatiblewith lottery paper requirement. Further, a communication port upgrademay have to be added to the printer. For example, an existing printermay have two communication ports where one is coupled to the gamecontroller. The second communication port may use a serial communicationprotocol, such as RS-232 which may be converted to some other protocol,such as USB or Ethernet to enable communications with the secondarygaming device.

In one embodiment, both lottery tickets and cash out tickets can beprinted on the lottery ticket printing media. In another embodiment, aseparate printer may be added, such that the player interface 810includes printer 710 and another printer (not shown). One of theprinters can be used to print lottery tickets, while the second printercan be used to print cash out (TITO) tickets. Thus, in a retrofit, asecond printer and associated paper tray can be installed on the EGM andcoupled to the secondary gaming device.

In FIG. 23A, an example of the dispensed lottery ticket 816 is shown.The lottery ticket 812, as shown, can be the tangible printed copy ofthe ticket. In one embodiment, a graphical version of the printed ticketmay also be output to the display 702, which can output as ticket 812.After the ticket 812 is dispensed, information indicating the ticket hasbeen dispensed can be stored to power hit tolerant memory. Also, in FIG.23, a second ticket, the cash out ticket 814 is shown being dispensedfrom printer 710 on the player interface 820. The balance 714 has beenadjusted to zero to reflect the remaining balance has been transferredfrom the EGM.

To generate the cash out ticket, a device, such as the game controller,may send a request to a TITO server to print a ticket of a particularvalue and receive a unique identifier. Then, the game controller caninstruct the printer 710 to print out the cash out ticket. In anotherembodiment, the secondary gaming device alone or in conjunction with aremote server can be configured to send a request to a TITO server torequest a cash out ticket and control printing of the cash out ticket onprinter 814.

In FIG. 23B, information which can appear on the back of the lotteryticket is shown. The information included on the back of the lotteryticket can vary depending on the lottery jurisdiction in which it isissued. Further, the information can be different from what is on theback of the cash out ticket.

In one embodiment, the information can be pre-printed on the back oftickets which are used for lottery tickets. When lottery tickets areissued, the information on the front of the ticket can be printed on thetickets with the pre-printed lottery information. In this example, whenone printer is used, cash out tickets can be printed from tickets storedin a separate tray which don't include the lottery rules. In anotherembodiment, the lottery tickets and cash out tickets can be printedusing separate printers. In another embodiment, the front and back ofthe lottery ticket can be printed on the fly where rules are printed onthe back. Thus, cash out tickets and lottery tickets can be printed on acommon ticket.

In yet another embodiment, a double ticket can be issued for the lotteryticket. On the front of the first ticket, the lottery information, suchas the picked numbers shown in FIG. 23A, can be printed. On the front ofthe second ticket, the rules and other information shown on FIG. 23B canbe printed. Thus, double tickets can be issued for some applications,such as lottery. Whereas, single tickets can be issued for otherapplications, such as cash out tickets. It is possible to print cash outtickets as a double ticket. Further, triple or more tickets can beissued and this example is provided for the purposes of illustrationonly.

As an example, in one embodiment, a casino can offer a parallel lottery,which uses the numbers selected for a lottery ticket. The casino lotterycan have different rules than a state lottery. In particular, the casinolottery can involve selecting a first amount of numbers in the range ofthe state lottery numbers where the first amount of numbers is greateror less than the numbers selected for the state lottery ticket. Forexample, the casino lottery might involve just selecting a number in thesame range or a different range from which the power ball number isselected. If power ball number selected on the state lottery ticketmatches the number selected by the casino, then the ticket holder maywin a prize.

In another example, the casino lottery may involve selecting threenumbers in the range of the five numbers selected on a state lotteryticket. If the three numbers are matched from among the five selectednumbers, then the ticket holder may win a prize. In yet another example,the casino lottery may involve selecting ten numbers where if four outof five of the numbers selected for the state lottery match, a prize iswon. Many such combinations are possible and these examples are providedfor the purposes of illustration only.

In one embodiment, a purchase of the first lottery ticket (e.g., thestate lottery ticket) can cause an entry into a second lottery (e.g., acasino lottery) where the player doesn't have to provide any additionalfunds. For example, a purchase is made for the state lottery ticket andan entry is automatically made in a casino lottery. In anotherembodiment, an additional value may be required to enter the secondlottery upon purchase of a ticket for the first lottery. For example,additional credits or loyal points from a player tracking account may berequired to obtain an entry in the second lottery. When additional valueis required, the system can be configured to allow a purchaser of thefirst lottery ticket to decline a purchase of the second lottery ticket.

Video content associated with the second lottery (not shown) can bedisplayed to the player interface 820. For example, the fact that theperson is entered into the second lottery, the rules of the secondlottery and how a player can check the outcome of the second lottery canbe displayed to the display 702. In one embodiment, a separate ticketmay be issued for the second lottery which includes information aboutthe second lottery. In another embodiment, a separate ticket for thesecond lottery may not be issued. When an entry is generated for thesecond lottery, then information associated with the entry, such asselected numbers, can be sent to a server on which the lottery ismaintained. Further, like the first lottery entry, a unique identifiercan be generated and associated with the second lottery entry. In oneembodiment, the same unique identifier can be used for entries in boththe first lottery and the second lottery whereas one system associatesfirst information with the unique identifier and a second systemassociates second information with the unique identifier. The first andthe second information can be associated with an entry in a firstlottery and a second lottery respectively.

In one embodiment, lottery ticket purchase can be linked to a playertracking account. Thus, when a ticket is purchase, information about theticket can be saved to a player's player tracking account. The playertracking system can be configured to automatically check the entry forthe player after the drawing for the lottery is held. The player canthen be notified whether they won or not using contact information inthe player tracking account. The player can then go to a validredemption site to claim their winnings.

In one embodiment, the player can be automatically credited the winningsto their player tracking account, which could then be later accessed onan EGM. The player can be notified using contact information in theiraccount that they have won including the amount. When the entryinformation is automatically stored to a player tracking account, it maynot be necessary to print out a lottery ticket. Thus, the lottery entrymay only be stored electronically.

This feature can be implemented for a state lottery or a secondarylottery offered by the casino. In this embodiment, if the redemption ofa winning lottery ticket is carried out by the casino, such as via theplayer tracking system. Then, when the ticket holder goes to redeem theticket, the lottery system can send a message that the ticket is alreadyvalidated. If the ticket holder has managed to redeem the ticket priorto it being redeemed by the casino, then the casino will be notifiedthat the ticket is already redeemed and then the winnings associatedwith the ticket may not be deposited into the ticket holder's playertracking account.

In one embodiment, for a state lottery purchase, the casino may providea promotion where they match all or a portion of the lottery winnings,such as if the player agrees to deposit it into their player trackingaccount. The match amount can be deposited into the player's playertracking account. A match amount can be in the form of credits which canbe used for game play or taken as cash by the player, restricted creditswhich can only be used for game play, player tracking points, goods,services, discount coupons or combinations thereof. Winnings from asecondary lottery can also be distributed in this manner.

In FIG. 24, the dispensed lottery ticket 812 and the cash out ticket 814are shown side by side in front of the player interface 830. The lotteryticket 812 and cash out ticket 814 may also be output in a graphicalformat to the player interface 830. The two tickets are in differentformats and include different information. The format and informationwhich is included may be governed according to rules enforced bydifferent regulatory authorities. For example, the lottery ticketrequirements can be specified by a lottery gaming authority while thecash out ticket 814 requirements can be specified by a regulatoryauthority associated with casino gaming.

At a later time, a dispensed lottery ticket can be inserted into abill/ticket acceptor and checked to determine whether an award isassociated with a ticket. Similarly, the cash out ticket can bevalidated in this manner, i.e., it can inserted into the bill/ticketacceptor and then a TITO server can be contacted to determine whether itis valid. In FIG. 25, the lottery ticket 812, which was previouslydispensed, is shown being inserted into bill/ticket acceptor 712 onplayer interface 840. In FIG. 26, the ticket has been validated for fivedollars and the balance 714 on player interface 850 has been updated toreflect the award. After it is credited to the EGM, the award can beused for additional game play, to purchase additional lottery tickets orit can be dispensed from the EGM as a cash out ticket.

In another embodiment, the player interface can include a separatescanner used to scan a bar-code from a lottery ticket. For example, ascanner can be retrofitted to a component, such as card reader or billvalidator bezel. The lottery ticket can be presented, such as the ticketinformation is read, and then a redemption process can be implemented.

Besides EGM's, it may be possible to validate a lottery ticket at otherwithin or outside the casino. For example, a lottery ticket can bevalidated at a kiosk within the casino. In another example, it may bepossible to validate the lottery ticket dispensed from the EGM at astore at which lottery tickets are sold which is away from the casino.

When the lottery ticket is accepted, it needs to be recognized as alottery ticket. If the bill/ticket acceptor has not been upgraded, thenit may send a message to the game controller that an invalid ticket hasbeen inserted and the ticket has been ejected. For the lottery ticket tobe recognized, the bill ticket/acceptor may need to be upgraded, such aswith a new reader head, to recognize the print media associated with thelottery ticket and the information printed on the lottery ticket usingthis print media. Further, communication ports on the bill/ticketacceptor may need to be upgraded or the entire bill ticket/acceptor mayneed to be replaced. For example, a single port bill/ticket acceptor maybe replaced with a dual port bill/ticket acceptor with the necessarysoftware.

After the bill/ticket acceptor accepts a ticket, it needs to distinguishwhether it is a lottery ticket or cash out ticket. Information read froma cash out ticket can be directed to the game controller whereasinformation read from a lottery ticket can be directed to the secondarygaming device or a remote server. For example, cash out ticketinformation may be output via a first port on the bill/ticket acceptorwhereas lottery ticket information may be output via the second port onthe bill/ticket acceptor. When the lottery ticket information isreceived, a first check may be made to determine whether a drawing withthe lottery ticket has occurred at the secondary gaming device. If thedrawing has not occurred, then this information can be output to thedisplay as well as a message that the drawing has not occurred and whenit will occur.

In another embodiment, information read from the lottery ticket can besent to a lottery server directly or via one or more intermediarydevices, such as directly from the secondary gaming device to a lotteryserver or from the secondary gaming device to a back-end server and thento the lottery server. The lottery server can determine whether theticket is valid or not, whether a drawing associated with a ticket hasoccurred, whether an award is associated with the ticket or whether theticket has been redeemed or not and send information associated withthese determinations back to the secondary gaming device.

When the ticket is valid, the lottery ticket server can send informationto the server indicating whether an award is associated with the ticket.This information can be output on the player interface 850, such as viamessage 854. If the amount is below a certain value, the lottery servercan mark the ticket as being redeemed and the award amount can becredited to the EGM. For example, the secondary gaming device can send acommand to the game controller to add an award amount to the creditmeter on the EGM, a message to the bill/ticket acceptor to store theticket and store information about the transaction.

If the lottery ticket is above a certain value, the value which is usedmay depend on regulations associated with lottery authority, regulationsassociated with casino game authority and limits of the EGM. Forexample, the lottery game authority may allow the EGM to redeem a ticketfor a value which is greater than the limit which is allowed for theEGM. In this instance, a message can be displayed indicating the awardamount and where the ticket may be redeemed. Similarly, the limitallowed for the EGM to redeem may be greater than the value to which thelottery authority allows. In this case, if the amount exceeds theallowable amount from the lottery authority, the EGM can display amessage indicating the award amount and where the ticket may be redeemedand then a command can be generated to dispense the ticket. Thus, ingeneral, a gaming device, such as the secondary gaming device may haveto keep track of limits which determine whether a lottery ticket can beredeemed on the EGM, which may vary from EGM to EGM and location tolocation, and then redeem or not redeem the lottery ticket based uponlimits imposed for each EGM.

As described above, the lottery interface can be configured to allow apurchase and a play of scratch off lottery tickets (not shown). For ascratch off game, an offer to generate a scratch ticket can be outputand then paid via credits on the EGM. After the scratch off game ispurchased, a request for a scratch off ticket can be sent to a lotteryticket server. The lottery ticket server can send information whichuniquely identifies the scratch off ticket, its value and informationrelated to how the information on the ticket is to be displayed to thelottery interface. This information can be stored to a power hittolerant memory on the secondary gaming device.

Next, a scratch type lottery ticket can be displayed to the lotteryinterface. The player can use the touch screen display to removematerial covering the award amounts on the display. Then, the award canbe revealed to the player. If the award is below some limit, it can beadded to the credit meter on the EGM. If the award is above a certainlimit, then the secondary gaming device can be configured to communicatewith the lottery ticket server to request a validation number toassociate with the award. Then, a ticket redeemable for the award can bedispensed and locations where the ticket can be redeemed may bespecified.

As described above, after a lottery ticket is printed, such as a statelottery ticket, an accompanying secondary ticket can be printed whichdescribes the rules of lottery on a first side of the ticket. In oneembodiment, the second side of the accompanying ticket opposite thefirst side may be left blank. In other embodiments, additionalinformation associated with a promotional offer or secondary game can beprinted on the accompanying ticket on the second side of the ticketopposite the rules. In alternate embodiments, the promotional offers orsecondary game tickets can be generated independent of the lotteryticket and hence, may not accompany the lottery ticket.

FIGS. 27A-27C show a few examples of secondary games which can begenerated on the second side of a ticket accompanying a lottery ticket.In FIG. 27A, the ticket 900 can include one or more of 1) an indication902 of an award associated with the secondary game, 2) a date the ticketis generated 904, a brief description 906 of how a person can partake inthe secondary game, a unique ticket number 908, a date on which thesecondary game is going to take place 910, machine readable opticallyencoded information 912 associated with the ticket 900 (e.g., abar-code), a more detailed description of the secondary game, the awardand rules of the secondary game 916, an indicator 914 of how the ticket900 can be inserted into a ticket reader and an address 918 associatedwith the secondary game.

To generate a ticket, such as 900, a secondary gaming device with asecondary processor, separate from a primary processor used to generatea game of chance on an EGM, can be configured to generate or contact orremote server to receive information which is printed on the ticket 900.For example, the secondary gaming device can receive all or a portion ofthe information printed on ticket 900 from the remote server, such asthe unique ticket number 908, the brief description of the offer 906 orthe detailed description of the offer 916.

In an alternate embodiment, the secondary gaming device can generate aportion of the information which is generated on the ticket 900 and sendit to the remote server. For example, the secondary gaming device cangenerate all or a portion of the unique ticket number or the dateprinted on the ticket. The secondary gaming device can control printingof the ticket 900. In addition, it may send information associated withthe printed ticket 900 to a remote sever, such as when the ticket wasprinted and the other information about the ticket. After receiving thisinformation, the remote server can be configured to enter the ticket 900in the secondary game, such as in the drawing for the complimentarybuffet. In another embodiment, the remote server can control printing ofthe ticket using the secondary gaming device as a communicationintermediary.

In one embodiment, to learn if the ticket 900 is associated with anaward and to receive an award, the ticket 918 may have to be presentedat a location where the ticket was issued after the secondary game hasbeen implemented. For example, to learn if the ticket is a winner, theticket 918 may have to be presented after the drawing date 910. Theaddress 918 can be used to indicate one or more locations where theticket 900 can be presented. In this example, the location is a casinoin Detroit, Mich.

When a state lottery ticket is issued, the state lottery ticket may bechecked at the location where it was issued or any other locations wherethat support state lottery services. For example, a state lottery ticketissued at a convenience store may be inserted into an EGM to determinewhether it is a winner. However, it may not be possible to check asecondary ticket, such as 900, issued with a state lottery ticket at acasino at the convenience store. Thus, the locations where ticket 900can be checked and/or redeemed may differ from the locations where thestate lottery ticket can be checked and/or redeemed.

In one embodiment, the ticket 900 may only be redeemed when the ticketis presented on-site at the locations indicated in 918. For example, theticket can be read at an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) or on anelectronic device, separate from an EGM, configured to read informationfrom the ticket. The EGM or the electronic gaming device can beconfigured to read information from the ticket 900, transmit informationto a remote device read from the ticket and receive from the remotedevice and indication of the outcome to the secondary game, such as anaward or no award. The EGM or electronic device can be configured tooutput an indication of the award, such as to a display screen. In aparticular embodiment, only EGMs, such as slot machines, video gamingmachines or gaming tables, which generate or are used to generate a gameof chance and accept money for wagering on the game of chance, may beconfigured to process the tickets. The EGMs can include the secondarygaming devices, described herein, configured to control the issuance andredemption of the tickets.

When a particular ticket is received in a gaming device, such as an EGM,prior to the secondary game associated with the ticket being played, theEGM can be configure to indicate that the secondary game has notoccurred yet and when the secondary game will occur. For example, if900, is issued from a printer, after a lottery ticket is printed, andthen immediately reinserted into a ticket reader on an EGM, a messagecan be output to a video display that the drawing for the award 902 hasnot taken place yet and the ticket 900 needs to be inserted into an EGMor other suitable devices after the drawing date 910, which is printedon the ticket. In some embodiment, the drawing date can be on the sameday, such on the same day at a later time. In this instance, a primaryand/or secondary processor can control output of a message, whichindicates the time of the drawing and encourages the person to becomeafter this time.

A time period can be associated with a secondary game during which aprize associated with a ticket 900 can be claimed. For example, forstate lotteries, this time period is typically a year. The time periodcan be hours, days, weeks, months, etc. and can vary from secondary gameto secondary game. When a particular ticket is received in a gamingdevice, such as an EGM, after the time period associated with secondarygame has expired, then a message can be output indicating this fact.

In yet another embodiment, an award or offer can be printed on theticket 900, which can be redeemed in the future. For example, an awardfor five dollars in free game play or a 50% discount on the buffet canbe printed on ticket 900 with an indication of when the award can beredeemed, such as tomorrow or within the next week. When the ticket ispresented within the designated time period, the award or offer may beredeemed.

In one embodiment, when a ticket is associated with an award is receivedand validated, an additional ticket may be printed which allows theaward to be redeemed. For example, an additional ticket can be printedwhich is used as a voucher to receive the free buffet. In anotherembodiment, it may be possible to redeem to the award directly on anEGM. For example, when the award is free game play, then the free gameplay amount associated with the ticket can be directly credited to theEGM.

In various embodiments, tickets, such as 900, can be generated using apre-printed ticket. For example, the lottery rules can already bepre-printed on a first side of ticket 900 when the tickets are loadedinto the printer. Then, the information shown in FIG. 27A, can be addedto the ticket at the time of issuance. In another embodiment, theinformation on both sides of the ticket 900 can be printed at issuance.For example, a dual-headed printer can be used to simultaneously printinformation on the first side and the second side of ticket 900.

In FIGS. 27B and 27C, one side of tickets 920 and 930 are shown. Ticket920 includes an indication of an award 922 for free game play, a message924 indicating when the secondary game with the award 922 will occur anddetails of the secondary game 926. Ticket 930 includes a first message932 describing a secondary game, which is a drawing, a second message934 indicating the drawing is a casino jackpot and a third message 936with a more detailed description of the drawing.

The hardware, methods and interfaces described above are not limited foruse on wager-based gaming machines. In alternative embodiments,hardware, methods and/or interfaces can be implemented in a kiosk, tabletop gaming machine or a game table, such as a black jack table. Thevarious aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software.

The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable codeon a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operationsor as computer readable code on a computer readable medium forcontrolling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is anydata storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read bya computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium includeread-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory,memory sticks, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. Thecomputer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupledcomputer systems so that the computer readable code is stored andexecuted in a distributed fashion.

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparentfrom the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appendedclaims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention.Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur tothose skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to theexact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence,all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as fallingwithin the scope of the invention.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A gaming machine physical itemacceptor assembly comprising: a physical item acceptor; a processor; afirst communication port configured to enable the processor tocommunicate first data to a game controller of a gaming machine, saidfirst data associated with a receipt, via the physical item acceptor, ofa physical item associated with a monetary value, and a secondcommunication port configured to enable the processor to communicatesecond data to a secondary controller, said second data being receivedfrom a mobile device and being associated with a transfer of funds tothe gaming machine.
 2. The gaming machine physical item acceptorassembly of claim 1, wherein the transfer of funds to the gaming machineis initiated in association with at least one input received via themobile device.
 3. The gaming machine physical item acceptor assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one input received from the mobile deviceoccurs in association with a mobile wallet application executed by themobile device.
 4. The gaming machine physical item acceptor assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the second communication port is configured to enablethe processor to communicate third data to the secondary controller,said third data being associated with a receipt, via the physical itemacceptor, of a lottery ticket.
 5. The gaming machine physical itemacceptor assembly of claim 1, wherein the second communication port isconfigured to enable the processor to communicate third data to thesecondary controller, said third data being associated with a receipt,via the physical item acceptor, of a promotional ticket.
 6. The gamingmachine physical item acceptor assembly of claim 1, wherein the physicalitem includes at least one of: a ticket associated with the monetaryvalue and a unit of currency.
 7. The gaming machine physical itemacceptor assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of: said first datais wirelessly communicated from the first communication port to the gamecontroller of the gaming machine, and said second data is wirelesslycommunicated from the second communication port to the secondarycontroller.
 8. A gaming machine physical item acceptor assemblycomprising: a physical item acceptor; a processor; a first communicationdevice configured to connect the processor and a game controller of agaming machine, wherein the processor is configured to communicate firstdata to the game controller of the gaming machine, said first dataassociated with a receipt, via the physical item acceptor, of a physicalitem associated with a monetary value, and a second communication deviceconfigured to connect the processor and a secondary controller, whereinthe processor is configured to communicate second data to the secondarycontroller, said second data being received from a mobile device andbeing associated with a transfer of funds to the gaming machine.
 9. Thegaming machine physical item acceptor assembly of claim 8, wherein thetransfer of funds to the gaming machine is initiated in association withat least one input received via the mobile device.
 10. The gamingmachine physical item acceptor assembly of claim 9, wherein the at leastone input received from the mobile device occurs in association with amobile wallet application executed by the mobile device.
 11. The gamingmachine physical item acceptor assembly of claim 8, wherein theprocessor is configured to communicate third data to the secondarycontroller, said third data being associated with a receipt, via thephysical item acceptor, of a lottery ticket.
 12. The gaming machinephysical item acceptor assembly of claim 8, wherein the processor isconfigured to communicate third data to the secondary controller, saidthird data being associated with a receipt, via the physical itemacceptor, of a promotional ticket.
 13. The gaming machine physical itemacceptor assembly of claim 8, wherein the physical item includes atleast one of: a ticket associated with the monetary value and a unit ofcurrency.
 14. The gaming machine physical item acceptor assembly ofclaim 8, wherein at least one of: the first communication device isconfigured to wirelessly connect the processor and the game controllerof the gaming machine, the second communication device is configured towirelessly connect the processor and the secondary controller.